Star Valley & Rim Country
Small-town mountain living at 4,650 feet in Arizona's Ponderosa pine country.
4,650 ft
Elevation
2,484
Population
283
Sunny Days / Year
~4 mi
To Payson
The Community
What Is Star Valley Like?
Star Valley is an unincorporated community in Gila County, Arizona, perched at approximately 4,650 feet along State Route 260 between Payson and the Mogollon Rim. With a population of roughly 2,484 as of the 2020 census, it offers the kind of quiet, spacious mountain living that draws families, retirees, and equestrians from across the Southwest.
The climate is semi-arid with four distinct seasons: warm summers with highs in the upper 80s, cool winters with occasional snow, and about 283 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall averages around 38 inches — enough to keep the Ponderosa pines green and the creek beds flowing.
Just 4 miles west, Payson serves as the commercial hub with grocery stores, restaurants, medical facilities, and a small-town downtown district. The community is part of the Payson Unified School District #10, and residents enjoy access to Tonto National Forest, the Mogollon Rim, and Fossil Creek — all within a short drive.
Climate at a Glance
Average temperatures (°F). 283 sunny days · 38" rain · 15" snow annually.
Outdoor Recreation
Your Backyard Adventure Starts Here
From the Mogollon Rim to Fossil Creek, Rim Country is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.
Tonto National Forest
5–15 minOver 2.9 million acres of national forest land with trails, fishing, camping, and OHV routes — all accessible from Star Valley.
Mogollon Rim
15–25 minThe dramatic edge of the Colorado Plateau, offering panoramic views, hiking, and picnicking at elevations above 7,000 feet.
Fossil Creek
30–40 minA designated Wild and Scenic River with waterfall hikes, swimming holes, and trout fishing in a stunning desert canyon setting.
Payson Golf Course
10 minAn 18-hole public golf course at 5,000 feet elevation — cool summer play in a Ponderosa pine setting.
Green Valley Park
8 minA community park with fishing lakes, amphitheater, walking paths, and regular events in downtown Payson.
Zane Grey Museum
10 minExplore the literary legacy of Zane Grey, the Western author who built his cabin near Payson in the 1920s.
Schools
Payson Unified School District #10
Star Valley residents attend schools in the Payson Unified system, located minutes away.
Julia Randall Elementary
Public · K–5 · Payson Unified #10
Rating: B+
Rim Country Middle School
Public · 6–8 · Payson Unified #10
Rating: B
Payson High School
Public · 9–12 · Payson Unified #10
Rating: B
Payson Center for Success
Alternative · 9–12 · Payson Unified #10
Rating: B-
Location
Minutes From Everything You Need
191 N Cornerstone Way sits in the heart of Star Valley — a quiet community with the convenience of Payson just 4 miles west. You'll find grocery stores, medical facilities, restaurants, and essential services within a short drive, while the vast Tonto National Forest and Mogollon Rim are your immediate backyard.
Ready to Call Star Valley Home?
191 N Cornerway Way is waiting. Schedule a private tour or request more information.