Its ZIP code is 96075 and telephone prefixes follow (530-597-xxxx), which is shared with the town of Dales, about 9 miles (14 km) to the west.

In late July 2024, the town of Paynes Creek was significantly impacted and partially destroyed by the Park Fire with no recorded fatalities.

[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers an area of 3.4 square miles (8.9 km2), 99.96% of it land and 0.04% of it water.

Federally, Paynes Creek is in California's 1st congressional district, represented by Republican Doug LaMalfa.

[8] The Payne's Creek vicinity contains forested reaches, and also provides habitat for numerous understory flora and fauna.

An example wildflower found in the vicinity is the mariposa lily Calochortus luteus, which is at its northern limit at the location of the Payne's Creek watershed.