| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Payson/100k people | Arizona/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 250 | n/a (estimate) | 1,484 | 2,214 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 40.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 64.6 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 44 | n/a | 261.2 | 312.4 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 44 | n/a (estimate) | 261 | 422 | 359 |
| Burglary | 37 | n/a | 219.6 | 217.8 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 147 | n/a | 872.7 | 1,329.9 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 22 | n/a | 130.6 | 244.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 206 | n/a (estimate) | 1,223 | 1,792 | 1,760 |
The Payson crime rates are 30% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 44 violent crimes in Payson (261 per 100,000 people), which is 27.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 206 property crimes (1223 per 100,000 residents) which is 30.5% lower than average.
In the most recently reported crime year, Payson registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Payson. Based on the results of the surveys (28 responses), 57% of people felt that there was very little crime in Payson and felt safe walking alone at night. While 43% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
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 30% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.68 crimes per day - 0.12 violent crimes and 0.56 property crimes.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Payson has decreased by 33%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Payson, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 50.6%, while property crime has decreased by 27.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Payson is a safe place to live.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Payson crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Payson has an unemployment rate of 1.6%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In Payson, the cost of living is 11.65% higher than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Payson are $1,493, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| 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 | 1,743 | 66 | 280 | 346 |
| Strawberry, AZ | 1,128 | 110 | 465 | 575 |
| East Verde Estates, AZ | 71 | 170 | 724 | 894 |
| Freedom Acres, AZ | 285 | 170 | 724 | 894 |
| Washington Park, AZ | 69 | 209 | 886 | 1,095 |
| Christopher Creek, AZ | 146 | 214 | 909 | 1,123 |
| Kohls Ranch, AZ | 111 | 229 | 973 | 1,203 |
| Payson, AZ | 16,047 | 261 | 1,223 | 1,484 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Jasper, IN | 16,040 | 119 | 607 | 726 |
| Bridgeview, IL | 16,031 | 300 | 1,779 | 2,079 |
| Dickson, TN | 16,026 | 465 | 2,326 | 2,792 |
| Asbury Park, NJ | 16,068 | 177 | 1,160 | 1,337 |
| West University Place, TX | 16,021 | 54 | 992 | 1,046 |
| Payson, AZ | 16,047 | 261 | 1,223 | 1,484 |
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