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

At an elevation nearing 5,000 feet, the area enjoys a mild four-season climate that attracts visitors from throughout the world the year around. Rich in its Western heritage, Payson - with an average trade population of some 28,000 - offers the atmosphere of rural America, with the amenities of a metropolis.

Principal Economic Activities...

The 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 community's "High Quality of Life." Many Arizonans and visitors alike migrate to cool Payson in the summer. In the winter, the community attracts many visitors who want to enjoy its scenery, 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.

The Town of Payson Economic Development Department works actively with new and existing business to provide high quality business and employment opportunities for area residents. It operates a revolving fund loan program for use by local and relocating firms requiring low-interest financing. All of Gila County is an Enterprise Zone.

Scenic Attractions...

Nestled in the gently rolling hills of the majestic Mogollon Rim - a 7,000 foot, 200 mile long escarpment - Payson is just minutes away from the seven Rim Lakes and countless trout streams. Popular outdoor activities include hiking, fishing, camping, golf, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hunting. One of only three pure air ozone belts in the world, Payson sits on the edge of the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pine.

Local attractions include the Tonto National Bridge, Shoo-Fly Indian Archaeological Site, Payson Exotic Zoo, Tonto Fish Hatchery, a llama ranch, a town-wide Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and the new 45-acre Green Valley Park featuring three fishing lakes and space for many recreational activities.

Payson also boasts the Recreational Fly-in Campground located at Payson Airport. Payson hosts the "World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo" in August and the Spring Pro Rodeo in May. Other festivals occur throughout the year, including the Art and Craft shows, the June Bug Blues Festival, and the State Championship Fiddlers Contest in September.

If you'd like an idea of what things look like around the area, take a cyber-stroll thru any one of the Galleries in the RIMages section of the site. Click the button and enjoy!

POPULATION...

Sources: Arizona Department of Economic Security and U.S. Census Bureau.

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