General Information
Payson is a small, historic community located at the entrance to a beautiful 30-mile long valley near Mt. Nebo in southern Utah County. In just a ten minute drive, residents can enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, and other nature-related activities. Each summer, Payson hosts three well-known festivals: The Scottish Festival, The Salmon Supper, and Golden Onion Days. Payson also boasts a 400-acre campus style industrial center that is adjacent to I-15 and two rail lines.
Between 1998 and 2000, Payson experienced some rapid growth, gaining nearly 1,800 new residents. Payson's median age, 24.4, and household size, 3.71, are both above the county's averages.
Origin of City's Name
Payson was named for James Pace, one of the original Mormon pioneers, who settled there in 1850. For a while the settlement was known as Pacen, which changed when the town was incorporated
Date of Incorporation: January 21, 1853
Did You Know?
An early name for the town was Peteetneet or Fort Peteetneet, for the Indian Chief Peteetnet and his people, who camped on the city's original site near Peteetneet Creek.
| Recreation | Crime | ||
| Baseball Diamonds | 7 | Aggravated Assault | 6 |
| Bowling Alleys | 0 | Arson | N/A |
| Covered Picnic Facilities | 6 | Auto Theft | N/A |
| Golf Courses | 1 | Burglary | 53 |
| Indoor Facilities | 0 | Larceny | N/A |
| Parks | 3 | Murder | 0 |
| Rodeo Grounds | 0 | Rape | 4 |
| Soccer/Football Fields | 5 | Robbery | 0 |
| Swimming Pools | 1 | ||
| Tennis Courts | 7 | ||
| Other: 1 horse race track, 1 public library | |||
| Median Age: 24.4 | Household Size: 3.71 | ||
Largest Employer: Mountain View Hospital: 480 employees
Population: 12, 726
State Rank By Population: 34
Political Profile
Out of the 5,984 registered voters, 4,600 cast ballots in the 2000 November election.
Schools in Payson: