Payson Arizona Community Profile

Payson Arizona, located at the "heart of Arizona" and a pleasant 90-minute drive from the Phoenix metropolitan area, is renowned for it's beauty, recreational opportunities and, more recently, its dynamic business environment.

At an elevation of 5,000 feet, Payson and the surrounding area enjoy a mild four-season climate that attracts visitors from throughout the world year-round. Rich in its western heritage, Payson--with an average trade area population of some 24,500--offers the atmosphere of rural America, with the amenities of a metropolis.

Principal Activities

Payson's local economy is dominated by the tourism and retirement industries, with a growing emphasis on manufacturing and service firms. Also being encouraged is light industry that is compatible with the Payson's "High quality of life." Many Arizonans and visitors alike migrate to cool Payson in summer. In the winter, the community attracts many visitors who want to enjoy its mild climate and rural atmosphere.

Among the area's major employers are the Payson Unified School District, the Mazatzal Casino, the Payson Regional Medical Center, and the Town of Payson. In recent years, several manufacturing operations have located in Payson, including Precision Intricast (precision orthotics device manufacturer), Pulau Electronics, Custom Aircraft (airplane assembly/repair firm), and Daryl's Precision (precision machine work). Other employers include Gollipops (lollipop producer) and the Payson Candle Factory.

Population
  1990 2000 2002
Payson 8,377 13,180 14,510
Gila County 40,216 50,150 53,015
Arizona 3,665,228 4,925,350 5,472,750
Sources: Arizona Department of Economic Security. U.S. Census Bureau
Note: Local sources estimate the trade population

Payson Labor Force
1990 2000 2002
Civilian Labor Force 3,033 3,367 3,385
Unemployed 110 98 125
Unemployment Rate 3.6% 2.8% 3.7
Tonto Census division Figures
Sources: Arizona department of Economic Security

Growth Indicators
  1990 2000 2002
Taxable Sales($) 93,413,750 241,901,550 258,308,450
New Bldg Permits 321 442 441
Net Assessed Valuation($) 52,544,663 118,452,332 144,040,074
Sources: Arizona State University:
AZ Dept. or Revenue:
AZ Tax Research Foundation