Payson at a glance
- Population: 16,731, the 36th-largest community in Arizona out of 91 (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2023).
- 2020 Census base: 16,351 people (US Census Bureau, 2020 Census count).
- 2020 to 2023 change: about 2.3% more residents than the 2020 Census base (US Census Bureau).
- Rank among Arizona places: 36th largest of 91 (US Census Bureau).
- Size percentile: roughly 60% of places in Arizona rank below it by population (US Census Bureau).
- Coordinates: 34.2438 latitude, -111.3190 longitude (US Census Bureau Gazetteer).
- Nearest larger cities: Scottsdale, AZ (50 mi); Fountain Hills, AZ (50 mi); Apache Junction, AZ (61 mi); Prescott Valley, AZ (62 mi); Mesa, AZ (63 mi); US Census Bureau population estimates.
- Nearest smaller towns: Star Valley, AZ (6 mi); Camp Verde, AZ (38 mi); Carefree, AZ (45 mi) (US Census Bureau).
What a personal loan costs in Payson
A personal loan gives you the full amount at once and spreads repayment over a set number of months at a fixed payment.
Compare every quote on APR because it includes the fees the interest rate hides, and check the payment with our personal loan calculator.
Stretching the term lowers the monthly payment but raises the total interest you pay, so the smallest payment is not automatically the cheapest loan.
Pre-qualifying with several lenders takes minutes, uses a soft pull, and gives you real numbers to compare before any hard inquiry.
Arizona lending rules that apply in Payson
The sourced rows below are the rules a licensed lender must follow when lending in Arizona, and therefore in Payson.
| Rule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| State lending regulator | Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) Source says: "The Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI)". | Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Consumer lender loan rate caps (§ 6-632) | Consumer loans: 36% per year on principal up to $3,000; for larger loans, 36% on the first $3,000 and 24% above $3,000 Source says: "a consumer loan rate of thirty-six per cent"; "a consumer loan rate of twenty-four per cent on that part of the principal amount greater than three thousand dollars". | Arizona State Legislature — A.R.S. § 6-632 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Maximum legal interest rate (usury cap) | 10% per year default; any rate may be agreed in writing (other than medical debt) Source says: "interest shall be at the rate of ten percent a year, unless a different rate is contracted for in writing". | Arizona State Legislature — A.R.S. § 44-1201 as of 2026-09-16 |
| Payday lending status | Not permitted — payday lending authorization expired June 30, 2010; DIFI no longer licenses payday lenders; consumer loans over 36% APR illegal since July 1, 2010 Source says: "The law allowing payday loans in Arizona expired on June 30, 2010. DIFI no longer licenses payday lenders." | Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions (DIFI) as of 2026-09-16 |
| Small-loan / installment lender licensing | Consumer lender license required from the deputy director (A.R.S. Title 6, Chapter 5); at least $25,000 in assets readily available per licensed office; license not transferable Source says: "shall not engage in the business of a consumer lender without first being licensed as a consumer lender". | Arizona State Legislature — A.R.S. § 6-603 as of 2026-09-16 |
How to compare offers in Payson
Before you commit to a personal loan in Payson, work through these steps:
- Pull your free credit reports and dispute any error — it is the cheapest way to improve the rate you are offered.
- Run your figures through the personal loan calculator on this site so you know the payment before a lender quotes one.
- Pre-qualify with at least three lenders and compare the APR, not the interest rate.
- Check that the lender is licensed in Arizona using the regulator named above.
- Read the disclosure for origination fees and any prepayment penalty before you sign.