2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Payson, AZ vs Ridgecrest, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Ridgecrest older or younger than people in Payson?
- The Median Age in Ridgecrest is 22.5 years younger than in Payson.

Are housing costs cheaper in Ridgecrest or Payson?
- Ridgecrest housing costs are 38.6% less expensive than Payson housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Ridgecrest or Payson?
- The average commute for residents of Ridgecrest is 4.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Payson.

Things to do in Payson?
Payson, AZ is an incorporated town located in Gila County with a population of around fifteen thousand people. Payson offers plenty of outdoor activities perfect for anyone looking to explore nature through hiking trails or fishing at the local rodeo pond! Additionally there are many stores, eateries, and entertainment spots available offering its community something fun to do all year round.

Things to do in Ridgecrest?
Located in the Indian Wells Valley of the Mojave Desert, Ridgecrest is a city in Kern County known for its rich cultural and recreational activities. With a population of over 27,000, this growing city offers attractions such as the desert landscape and nearby mountains, along with local events and recreation opportunities.

 Payson, AZRidgecrest, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock27,989329,725,481
 Median Income$58,109  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$400,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.73  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Payson    15 Reviews

We have lived in Payson for over 5 years and love it. It has two large grocery stores, a Walmart, Home Depot, a dozen thrift/ treasure shops, more local shops than we  More

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Over 6 years ago

Payson is a wonderful town especially for retired people and people that want a slower pace... Lots of outdoor activities  More

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Over 6 years ago

I've lived in Payson for 25 years, thank god I worked out of town. There is a saying GO TO PAYSON ON VACATION GO HOME ON PROBATION TURN IN THREE YOU GO  More

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Reviews for Ridgecrest    7 Reviews

For context, I grew up in Ridgecrest and moved away after graduating high school. I have since lived in LA and the Bay Area but I visit RC often. RC is in the high  More

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Ridgecrest and Kern County are red state bastions in a land of blue voting counties. If you want a concealed weapons permit, you'll get it. Want to own any firearm  More

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Over 13 years ago

The hardest thing to get used to in Ridgecrest is the weather. It can get quite windy. And hot. 115 hot. But it's a dry heat! It does cool off in the evening, and it  More

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