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Payson, AZ

Frequently asked questions

Payson, AZ

Payson is a town in northern Gila County, Arizona, United States. Due to Payson's location being very near to the geographic center of Arizona, it has been called "The Heart of Arizona". The town is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, the largest of the six national forests in Arizona, and the ninth-largest national forest in the United States. Payson boasts a lively festival calendar, including the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, established in 1884, and the Old Time Fiddlers Contest which celebrates the area’s musical heritage. The founding year of Payson is considered to be 1882, at which time the town was known as "Green Valley". On March 3, 1884, a post office was established with the help of Illinois Representative Levi Joseph Payson. In honor of the representative's help, the town's name was changed to "Payson". 

Located in northern Gila County at an elevation of 5,000 feet (1,500 m), the town has a total area of 19.5 square miles (51 km2). The Mogollon Rim, the southern boundary of the Colorado Plateau, lies to the north of Payson, with elevations exceeding 7,500 feet (2,300 m); there are many cold water lakes on top of the rim. They are stocked with fish by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Payson had its first rodeo in 1884. The town declares the competition to be the world's oldest and continuous rodeo as it has been held every year since. Located in northern Gila County at an elevation of 5,000 feet (1,500 m), the town has a total area of 19.5 square miles (51 km2). The Mogollon Rim, the southern boundary of the Colorado Plateau, lies to the north of Payson, with elevations exceeding 7,500 feet (2,300 m); there are many cold water lakes on top of the rim. They are stocked with fish by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

As of the census of 2019, 15,297 people were living in Payson, AZ which is the 2,788th largest city in the United States. 5,832 households, and 4,070 families residing in the town. The population density was 791 people per square mile, which is 1275% higher than the Arizona average and 773% higher than the national average. There were 7,033 housing units at an average density of 361.2 per square mile (139.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 92.5% White, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.6% Native American, 0.5% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.0% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. 9.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In terms of health and wellness, Payson offers residents access to quality healthcare facilities and services. Banner Payson Medical Center is a full-service hospital offering emergency care, surgical services, imaging, and a range of medical specialties. Majestic Mountain Inn Spa provides various spa services including massages, facials, and body treatments in a tranquil mountain setting. Elements Day Spa offers a range of spa treatments including massages, skincare, and nail services for relaxation and rejuvenation. Payson Wellness Center focuses on holistic wellness with services such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling. Rim Country Health & Wellness provides comprehensive wellness services including fitness classes, personal training, physical therapy, and nutritional coaching. Payson Physical Therapy provides personalized physical therapy programs tailored to individual needs, including sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, and chronic pain management.

Top sites in Payson, AZ are Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin, Tonto Natural Bridge, and Green Valley Park. 

Population: 16,762 (2024). ZIP codes: 85541, 85547. Area code: 928. Elevation: 1,525 m. Area: 19.5 square miles (51 km2)

FAQs

What is the history of Payson, AZ?

Before the arrival of European-American settlers, the area was known as Te-go-suk—or Place of the Yellow Water—by the Dilzhe'e Apache. The area was also historically inhabited by the Yavapai and Puebloan peoples, including the Hohokam, Mogollon, and Sinagua cultures. The founding year of Payson is considered to be 1882, at which time the town was known as "Green Valley". On March 3, 1884, a post office was established with the help of Illinois Representative Levi Joseph Payson. In honor of the representative's help, the town's name was changed to "Payson".

Is it ideal to live in Payson, AZ?

If you love the outdoor life, Payson is the place to be. Situated within the Tonto National Forest, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and off-roading are just minutes away. Green Valley Park is right in town, with three small fishing lakes. While Payson has a family-friendly, small-town feel, you will not lack services. There is a Walmart Supercenter here, as well as two grocery stores, two hardware stores, a Home Depot, and a Tractor Supply store. Payson also has the medical services you need, from family practitioners, chiropractors, dentists, and hospitals.

Are there historical markers in Payson, AZ?

Historic Mail Trail is dedicated to the memory of the mail riders named below and unknown mail carriers who braved weather, rough terrain, and the Verde River to deliver mail 52 miles from Camp Verde to Payson, Arizona from 1884 to 1914. Mogollon Rim Country Firefighters Memorial was dedicated to Firefighters who made the Ultimate Sacrifice to protect our magnificent Mogollon Rim Country. The Rim Country Museum complex is the site of the first headquarters for the Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest. The original buildings were placed here in 1907.

Sources

Town of Payton

Wikipedia

HMDB

Scott Schulte

Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey Cabin

Tonto Natural Bridge

Green Valley Park

Banner Payson Medical Center

Majestic Mountain Inn Spa

Elements Day Spa

Payson Wellness Center

Rim Country Health & Wellness 

Payson Physical Therapy

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.