Payson, Gila County, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,696
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,154/yr
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,873
1.9% year-over-year change

Payson population

How many people live in Payson

Payson is home to 21,696 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.2% of Payson locals are male, and 49.8% are female.

Total population
21,696
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.2%
10,890
Female
49.8%
10,806
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,890 50.2% 1.4%
Female 10,806 49.8% -0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Payson is 63, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.2% are children under 15, then 5.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 41.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
63
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.2%
15 to 24
5.3%
25 to 44
16%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
41.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,635 12.2% -7.2%
15 to 24 1,146 5.3% -6.0%
25 to 44 3,470 16% 5.4%
45 to 64 5,477 25.2% -2.0%
Over 65 8,968 41.3% 3.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Payson, 95.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.8% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.4%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 20,739 95.6% 0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 742 3.4% 5.2%
Non-citizens 215 1% 40.5%
Racial breakdown
White
85.8%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 18,625 85.8%
Black or African American 99 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 244 1.1%
Asian 95 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 29 0.1%
Two or more races 1,961 9%
Other 642 3%

Households in Payson

A peek inside Payson households

Payson has 10,996 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57% are families, while the remaining 43% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,996
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,723
Family households
6,273
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,723 43% 8.7%
Family households 6,273 57% -0.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Payson

The housing landscape of Payson

Payson's housing consists of 16,873 units, with 74.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 17.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,873
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,627 74.8%
1 unit, attached 227 1.4%
2 units 51 0.3%
3 or 4 units 304 1.8%
5 to 9 units 273 1.6%
10 to 19 units 43 0.2%
20 to 49 units 68 0.4%
50 or more units 125 0.7%
Mobile home 2,960 17.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 194 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
383
89.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Payson

In Payson, the median construction year is 1987. About 0.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 109 0.6% 67.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 85 0.5% -42.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 596 3.5% -11.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 875 5.2% -12.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,571 21.2% -4.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,506 20.8% 10.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,668 15.8% -12.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,031 23.9% 17.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,048 6.2% -5.2%
Built in 2020 or later 383 2.3% 89.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Payson occupancy rates

Out of the 10,996 occupied housing units in Payson, 79.8% are owner-occupied, while 20.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 34.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,996
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,222
Owner occupied
8,774
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,222 20.2% 9.1%
Owner occupied 8,774 79.8% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
34.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Payson housing costs

Housing costs in Payson come to a median of $1,057 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,318.

Median housing costs per month
$1,057/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Payson
$1,318/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Payson

Payson education at a glance

About 34% of the population in Payson went to high school, while 30.2% pursued college studies. Another 12.2% earned an associate degree and 14% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 256 1.4% 23.7%
High school diploma 6,336 34% 1.0%
College diploma 5,636 30.2% 6.7%
Associate degree 2,281 12.2% -3.0%
Bachelor's degree 2,600 14% -8.3%
Graduate degree 1,530 8.2% 7.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Payson

How much people earn in Payson

The average annual household income in Payson was $85,110 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,154, reflecting a +6.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Payson
$85,110/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Payson
$63,154/year
6.3% year-over-year change

Payson income by age

In Payson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $77,565. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,462 overall. Overall, 90.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $77,565 12.1%
45 - 64 $58,462 -4.4%
Over 65 $59,854 9.2%
Above poverty level
19,262
Below poverty level
2,043
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,262 90.4% 1.3%
Below poverty level 2,043 9.6% -3.2%

Average renter income in Payson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Payson, their median household income was $54,514 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$54,514
Rent-to-income ratio
29%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Payson

Workforce and job types in Payson

79% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.6% run their own businesses, 57.2% are employed by private companies, and 16.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
6,144
Blue collar
1,637
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 6,144 79% 2.6%
Blue collar 1,637 21% -5.9%
Employer type
Self employees
16.6%
Private companies
57.2%
Governmental workers
16.4%
Not for profit companies
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,295 16.6% -8.6%
Private companies 4,452 57.2% 3.5%
Governmental workers 1,280 16.4% -11.7%
Not for profit companies 754 9.7% 35.9%

Transportation in Payson

How people get around in Payson

In Payson, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 96.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,947 96.1% -4.7%
Taxicab 2 0% -33.3%
Motorcycle 6 0.1% -25.0%
Bicycle 12 0.2% -36.8%
Walk 224 3.6% 34.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Payson demographics 

What is the total population of Payson?

Payson has a total population of 21,696 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Payson?

The gender ratio in Payson is as follows:
  • 50.2% males (10,890 residents)
  • 49.8% females (10,806 residents)

What is the median age in Payson?

The median age in Payson is 63.

What is the age distribution of the population in Payson?

The age distribution in Payson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.2% (2,635 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.3% (1,146 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16% (3,470 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (5,477 residents)
  • Over 65: 41.3% (8,968 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Payson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Payson is as follows:
  • White: 85.8% (18,625 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (99 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (244 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (95 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (29 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9% (1,961 residents)
  • Other: 3% (642 residents)

What percentage of the population in Payson are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.6% of the population in Payson.

How many housing units are there in Payson?

There are 16,873 housing units in Payson, reflecting a +1.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Payson and what is the average household size?

Payson has a total of 10,996 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Payson?

Payson has a median household income of $63,154, representing a +6.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Payson?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79% (6,144 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21% (1,637 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.6% (1,295 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.2% (4,452 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.4% (1,280 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.7% (754 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025