| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Payson/100k people | Arizona/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 352 | n/a (estimate) | 2,116 | 2,489 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.8 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 1 | n/a | 6.0 | 44.1 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 12.0 | 70.1 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 79 | n/a | 474.8 | 310.5 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 82 | n/a (estimate) | 493 | 432 | 370 |
| Burglary | 70 | n/a | 420.7 | 271.0 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 184 | n/a | 1,105.9 | 1,542.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 16 | n/a | 96.2 | 244.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 270 | n/a (estimate) | 1,623 | 2,058 | 1,954 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Payson crime rate is 9% lower than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Payson, there were 82 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 493 per 100,000 individuals, 33.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, Payson recorded 270 property crimes, amounting to 1623 per 100,000 residents, 17% lower than the U.S. average.
The Payson crime rate is about average when compared to all the other cities across the U.S. per 100,000 residents. When we compared the total crimes (violent and property) in Payson, we found that the reported crime rates were almost equal to the average of all other areas that reported crime.
Payson showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Payson residents. Out of the respondents (28 in total), 57% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Payson were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 43% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Payson a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Payson crime rate is 9% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.96 crimes per day - 0.22 violent crimes and 0.74 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Payson crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Payson has decreased by 5.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 7.9% and property crime has decreased by 4.9%.
The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Payson crime rate. The poverty level in Payson is 9.3%, while the national average is 15.1%.
Payson reports an unemployment rate of 1.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Payson crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Payson, 85.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
| Item | Payson | Arizona | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 12,274 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 3.1 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Arizona /100K | National /100K |
| Arizona | 8,206 | 157 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pine, AZ | 1,700 | 90 | 430 | 520 |
| Washington Park, AZ | 67 | 175 | 831 | 1,006 |
| Star Valley, AZ | 1,457 | 193 | 920 | 1,113 |
| Round Valley, AZ | 713 | 352 | 1,679 | 2,031 |
| Strawberry, AZ | 1,100 | 364 | 1,733 | 2,097 |
| Christopher Creek, AZ | 143 | 424 | 2,022 | 2,446 |
| East Verde Estates, AZ | 70 | 435 | 2,073 | 2,508 |
| Payson, AZ | 15,708 | 493 | 1,623 | 2,116 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Warrington, FL | 15,710 | 324 | 1,958 | 2,282 |
| Conyers, GA | 15,705 | 500 | 2,305 | 2,806 |
| Lady Lake, FL | 15,695 | 284 | 1,716 | 1,999 |
| Shively, KY | 15,723 | 486 | 3,096 | 3,582 |
| Ocean Pointe, HI | 15,688 | 212 | 1,983 | 2,195 |
| Payson, AZ | 15,708 | 493 | 1,623 | 2,116 |
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