Payson is intersected by State Routes 87 and 260, just 90 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona. The Town’s boundaries enclose 20.46 square miles in Northern Gila County. Payson is nestled below Arizona’s Mogollon Rim at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet and enjoys a moderate four season climate. It is surrounded by the Tonto National Forest and the world’s largest stand of virgin Ponderosa Pines.

The Payson Townsite was established in 1882 with a population of 40. It was first known as Union Park, although residents referred to the Town as Green Valley. The first post office was opened in 1884 and the postmaster officially changed the name of the Town to Payson, in honor of Senator Louis Edward Payson who was the congressional head of the Post Office and Post Roads at the time. Payson was incorporated in 1973.

In its early years, Payson’s economy was based on logging, ranching, and mining. This western heritage still lives on in Payson through its many festivals and events. The Payson Rodeo, now billed as the “World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo”, came into being in 1884. The Hashknife Pony Express also makes its annual historic run through Payson, picking up letters for delivery. Other events include arts & crafts fairs, classic car shows, Mountain High Days Festival, Annual Monster Mudda, farmer’s markets, and the State Championship Fiddlers Contest.

Tourism, home building, and the retirement industries dominate the current economy with a growing emphasis on manufacturing and service firms. Also being encouraged is a light industry that is compatible with the community’s “High Quality of Life”. Payson’s major employers include the Payson Unified School District, Mazatzal Casino, Banner Payson Medical Center, Walmart, and the Town of Payson.