Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Health & Safety
The low score in this category could be due to challenges related to air quality and the limited accessibility of health-related facilities like hospitals, nursing homes, doctors and pharmacies.
Located in the state of Arizona, Payson is a moderately-sized city with a population of 16,047 residents. At 89%, the majority of the Payson population is White; this is followed by 4% American Indian and Alaskan and 1% Black. The Payson population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 60, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Payson will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Payson is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Arizona, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Payson and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, education, employment, housing and other important metrics.
The livability score in Payson is 66 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 61st percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. Payson scores well for employment (B-) and housing (A) Payson does not do well for the following: amenities (D-) and crime (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Payson, the unemployment rate stands at 1.6%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Payson market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Payson meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Payson. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Payson are simply unattainable. The median home price for Payson homes is $453,320, which is 45.5% higher than the Arizona average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Payson, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 34.1% higher than the Arizona average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Payson | Arizona | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.9% | 76.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 15.7% | 10.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 2.0% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.6% | 2.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.0% | 5.7% | 4.6% |
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