Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Payson, AZ
Thinking of moving to Payson, AZ? With a friendly population of 16,234, Payson offers affordable living, with median home prices around $355,000 and average rents at $1,210. You'll enjoy short 18-minute commutes, abundant sunshine (72% sunny days), and easy access to outdoor recreation. Payson boasts a low violent crime rate (229 per 100K), quality local schools, and the laid-back pace of a scenic mountain town—perfect for retirees, families, and nature lovers alike.
Demographics - Payson, AZ
Demographics - Payson, AZ
Payson is home to around 16,234 residents, with a median age of 57.2, reflecting its popularity among retirees and older adults. The community is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a quiet and welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
16,234
Density:
1,080 per sq mi
Median Age:
57.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.6%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
8.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Payson, AZ?
Living in Payson is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.6. Median home values are about $355,000 and average rents are $1,210, making housing relatively affordable compared to major cities, while utility costs are a bit higher due to the mountain climate.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,210
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,570
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.50%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.6
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
110.7
Utilities:
112.4
Transportation:
100.2
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Payson, AZ a safe place to live?
Payson enjoys a low violent crime rate of 229 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a strong sense of safety. Property crime is somewhat higher, with a chance of 1 in 47, but overall, Payson remains a secure and peaceful place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
229
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,112
Crime Index:
2,341
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 436
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Payson, AZ year-round?
Payson experiences all four seasons, with summer highs near 90°F and winter lows around 27°F. The town sees 72% sunny days each year and about 22 inches of annual rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking mild, pleasant weather.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Residents in Payson typically earn a median household income of $51,900, with a moderate poverty rate of 13.4%. Most locals enjoy short commutes averaging under 18 minutes, and over 92% have completed high school, fostering a close-knit and educated community.
Median Income:
$33,800
Household Income:
$51,900
Family Income:
$62,200
Per Capita Income:
$28,100
Income Male:
$35,200
Income Female:
$27,400
Poverty Rate:
13.4%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$1,210
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
17.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
25.1%
Education
How are the schools in Payson, AZ?
Payson offers a range of educational options, including quality public schools such as Payson High School and Julia Randall Elementary, as well as private and higher education institutions like Gila Community College and Northern Arizona University’s local campus. The student-teacher ratios are favorable, and the town supports lifelong learning for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Payson High School
Street:
301 S. McLane Rd
Phone:
928-472-5700
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2
Name:
Julia Randall Elementary School
Street:
601 W. Main St
Phone:
928-472-6470
Students:
525
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Private Schools
Name:
Payson Christian School
Street:
1000 E. Frontier St
Phone:
928-474-8050
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Gila Community College - Payson Campus
City:
Payson
State:
AZ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
220
Name:
Northern Arizona University - Payson Campus
City:
Payson
State:
AZ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Payson is anchored by Banner Payson Medical Center, providing general and emergency services. The area offers good access to medical care with nearly 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 89.7%.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Banner Payson Medical Center
Address:
807 S Ponderosa St, Payson, AZ 85541
Phone:
(928) 474-3222
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Payson, AZ?
The housing market in Payson features a median home price of $355,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of over 73%, reflecting a stable community with a high proportion of homeowners. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, and rental vacancies are relatively low.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,210
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division at 201 W. Main St, offering convenient access for licensing, registration, and vehicle services. Residents can visit the office or access services online through the state website.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
201 W. Main St, Payson, AZ 85541
Phone:
1-800-251-5866
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.