Payson, AZ
Population 16,494 · Arizona
About Payson, AZ
Payson is a mid-sized city located in Arizona with a population of 16,494 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,175 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Payson features a median home value of $343,200, which is 40% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Payson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,355, 17% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,824 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (6,034 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (1,787 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Payson shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Payson have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.5% of Payson residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 10.4% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Payson experiences an annual average temperature of 56.1°F with 26.08" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 92°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 30°F (December–January).
How Payson Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in Payson, AZ
Compared to national averages, Payson has a median household income of $65,175 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $343,200, which is 40% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,355 is 17% above the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Payson's income is 5% above the state average of $62,086, and home values are 45% above the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Payson, AZ?
Payson offers a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,175) that falls below the national average. However, Payson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Payson has a population of 16,494 with a median age of 58.9 years. Compare Payson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Payson
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eloy | 16,671 | $54,080 | $243,600 | Compare |
| Douglas | 16,118 | $39,350 | $138,200 | Compare |
| Flowing Wells | 16,989 | $40,769 | $51,800 | Compare |
| Vail | 15,722 | $121,385 | $367,500 | Compare |
| Fort Mohave | 15,716 | $65,417 | $274,600 | Compare |
| Tanque Verde | 15,531 | $119,212 | $573,000 | Compare |
| Coolidge | 15,300 | $57,161 | $203,100 | Compare |
| New River | 18,365 | $120,279 | $603,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Payson
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 46 | 48 | 53 | 69 | 76 | 84 | 96 | 89 | 82 | 74 | 61 | 55 |
| Low °F | 28 | 27 | 31 | 41 | 48 | 53 | 65 | 63 | 55 | 47 | 39 | 33 |
| Rain " | 5.2 | 5.4 | 6.7 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 1.6 | 3.0 |
Other Cities in Arizona
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Payson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Payson
What is the population of Payson, AZ?
The population of Payson, AZ is 16,494 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Arizona.
What is the median household income in Payson?
The median household income in Payson, AZ is $65,175 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Payson?
The median home value in Payson, AZ is $343,200, which is 40% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Payson?
The median monthly rent in Payson, AZ is $1,355, which is 17% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Payson?
The unemployment rate in Payson, AZ is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Payson, AZ a good place to live?
Payson offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,494 and a median age of 58.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Payson, AZ?
26.5% of residents in Payson aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Payson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Payson, AZ: median home value is $343,200 (40% above national), median rent is $1,355/month, and median household income is $65,175. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Payson?
The poverty rate in Payson, AZ is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Payson, AZ?
Payson's population is 10.4% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.