ZIP code 85541, covering Payson, AZ, has 144 natural disaster events in the historical record. These include 106 wildfires, 24 hailstorms, and 11 floods. Total documented property damage amounts to $355K. Across all recorded events, 16 deaths have been attributed to natural disasters in this area.
Wildfires represent the most common natural hazard in this area, accounting for 74% of all recorded events (106 total). Of these, 9 (8%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for wildfire-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). The most recent recorded wildfire occurred on Jul 30, 2029.
There have been 24 recorded hailstorms in this area, representing 17% of all disaster events. One event reached severity level 4 or 5 on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for hail-related events here is 4/5 (severe). The most recent recorded hailstorm occurred on Sep 28, 2025.
There have been 11 recorded floods in this area, representing 8% of all disaster events. Of these, 8 (73%) were rated at severity level 4 or 5 — the most intense on the normalized scale. The highest recorded severity for flood-related events here is 5/5 (extreme). Flood-related events have caused a combined $355K in documented property damage. 16 fatalities have been attributed to floods in this area. The most recent recorded flood occurred on Mar 21, 2023.
Payson has experienced 2 tornadoes on record. The most recent recorded tornado occurred on Nov 19, 2023.
Payson has experienced 1 earthquake on record. The most recent recorded earthquake occurred on Feb 19, 2025.
The most significant disaster event on record for Payson was Flash Flood on Jan 28, 2008, which caused $100K in property damage. Another major event was Flood (Nov 29, 2019), causing $50K in damages.
Explore disaster history for adjacent areas
Based on federal and state records, ZIP code 85541 has experienced 144 natural disaster events. The hazard types affecting this area include wildfires (106 events), hailstorms (24 events), floods (11 events), tornadoes (2 events), and earthquake (1 event). The primary hazard is wildfires, which account for 74% of all recorded events.
Wildfires are the most frequently recorded hazard in Payson, AZ, with 106 events documented.
Yes, Payson (ZIP 85541) has 11 recorded flood events. These floods have caused $355K in total property damage. The most recent flood on record occurred on Mar 21, 2023.
Payson has 2 recorded tornado events in the historical record. The strongest tornado recorded reached severity level 3/5 on the normalized scale. The most recent tornado was recorded on Nov 19, 2023.
The most damaging natural disaster on record for ZIP code 85541 was Flash Flood, which occurred on Jan 28, 2008. This event caused $100K in documented property damage. It was rated at severity level 4/5.
Natural disasters have caused a documented total of $355K in property damage in the Payson, AZ area (ZIP 85541). This figure is based on historical records from FEMA, NOAA Storm Events Database, and USGS, and covers events from the 1950s through the present. Actual damages may be higher, as not all events have complete damage assessments.
Data sourced from FEMA (disaster declarations, NFIP flood claims), NOAA Storm Events Database, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, and NIFC wildfire records. Historical coverage varies by source, with most records beginning in the 1950s–1970s. Full methodology →