countyscore
48.6
County Score
Soil Quality 67.6Cost of Living 66.2Health 53.5

County Report Card

About Sawyer County, Wisconsin

Sawyer County Approaches National Median

Sawyer County earns a composite score of 48.6, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a county that balances exceptional affordability with some economic trade-offs. It sits roughly in the middle of the national distribution for overall livability.

Trailing the Wisconsin State Average

The county's overall score of 48.6 falls slightly behind the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. While it remains competitive in northern Wisconsin, it lacks the high-income boost seen in the state's more urbanized southern hubs. However, it maintains a respectable standing in the region due to its housing market.

A Haven for Affordable Living

Sawyer County excels in affordability with a cost score of 66.2, far outpacing many state neighbors. Median gross rent sits at a highly accessible $683 per month, and the 0.850% effective tax rate is notably lower than the Wisconsin average. These factors make it one of the more financially approachable areas in the state.

Navigating Environmental and Income Hurdles

The county faces significant challenges in water quality and natural risk, scoring just 17.9 and 25.5 respectively. Additionally, the income score of 35.9 reflects a median household income of $59,055, which is lower than many peer counties. These factors contribute to the county's position below the 50-point mark.

Best for Budget-Conscious Outdoor Enthusiasts

Sawyer County is an ideal fit for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low housing costs and a manageable tax burden. It offers a quiet, affordable lifestyle for those who can navigate lower local income levels. The county trades some environmental security for significant monthly savings on rent and taxes.

2040608010048.866.238.653.55035.925.517.948.7Tax48.8Cost66.2Safety38.6Health53.5Schools50Income35.9Risk25.5Water17.9Weather48.748.6/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Sawyer County DNA

Foverall

How Sawyer County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sawyer County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (17.9/100), though Cost of Living (66.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48.8
Cost
66.2+18.200000000000003
Safety
38.6-16.4
Health
53.5
Schools
50
Income
35.9-15.100000000000001
Risk
25.5-21.5
Water
17.9-40.1
Weather
48.7
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Many homeowners in Sawyer County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$223,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$683/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$223,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,055/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

65.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Rusk County
Wisconsin
53.8
Washburn County
Wisconsin
58.2
Price County
Wisconsin
59.4
Iron County
Wisconsin
65.4
Barron County
Wisconsin
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Ashland County
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Bayfield County
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Douglas County
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40

Deep Dives

Sawyer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sawyer County

via TaxByCounty

Sawyer's tax rate ranks low nationally

At 0.85%, Sawyer County's effective property tax rate falls well below the national median of 1.09%, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $1,899 annually on a median home valued at $223,300—significantly less than the national median tax of $2,690 on a more expensive median home.

Wisconsin's most affordable county

Sawyer County ranks lowest among Wisconsin's 72 counties for property tax burden, with an effective rate of 0.85% compared to the state average of 1.44%. This translates to annual savings of roughly $1,200 per median home compared to typical Wisconsin homeowners.

Sawyer beats nearby Bayfield, Ashland

Sawyer's 0.85% rate significantly undercuts neighboring counties in the North Woods region. While specific neighbor data is limited, Sawyer remains the most tax-efficient option for rural northern Wisconsin property owners.

Median tax bill: under $1,900

A homeowner with a median-valued property in Sawyer County pays roughly $1,899 in annual property taxes. On a median home worth $223,300, that 0.85% effective rate amounts to less than $160 per month.

Check your assessment—appeal if overvalued

Many Wisconsin property owners, including those in Sawyer County, are assessed above fair market value and eligible for tax appeals. If your home's assessed value doesn't match recent comparable sales, filing an appeal could lower your tax burden at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sawyer County

via CostByCounty

Sawyer rents well below national squeeze

Sawyer County renters spend 13.9% of income on housing—lower than the national norm and competitive with Wisconsin's state average of 14.9%. At $683 per month, median rent here undercuts the state's $891 average by $208, even as median household income ($59,055) trails the national median by $15,700.

Mid-pack affordability in Wisconsin

Sawyer County ties for among the most affordable counties in Wisconsin, sharing the 13.9% rent-to-income ratio with neighboring Shawano County. This ranking puts renters here in a strong position compared to counties where housing costs consume 15% or more of income.

Sawyer vs. similar North Woods counties

Sawyer's $683 rent is nearly identical to Vilas County ($810) and Shawano ($777), making the region competitively priced for northern Wisconsin. However, homebuyers face steeper costs in Vilas ($270,700 median home value) compared to Sawyer's $223,300.

Housing costs split evenly for Sawyer families

Renters pay $683 monthly while homeowners carry $876 in costs, with 13.9% of the median $59,055 income going to rent. Median home value of $223,300 anchors the housing market for buyers seeking modest entry points in northern Wisconsin.

Consider Sawyer for affordable North Woods living

If you're weighing relocation to Wisconsin's north, Sawyer County delivers sub-state-average rents and competitive mortgage costs without sacrificing quality of life. Compare this profile to pricier neighbors like St. Croix County ($102,482 median income, $1,238 rent) to see your savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sawyer County

via IncomeByCounty

Sawyer trails national income

Sawyer County's median household income of $59,055 falls significantly below the national median of $74,755, a gap of $15,700 or 21%. This places Sawyer among lower-income counties nationwide, reflecting its rural northern Wisconsin character and smaller employment base.

Below average in Wisconsin

Sawyer County ranks below Wisconsin's state average of $71,715, earning roughly $12,660 less per median household. This positions Sawyer in the lower half of Wisconsin's 72 counties for household income.

Less affluent than nearby counties

Compared to neighboring Vilas County ($67,132) and Ashland County, Sawyer's $59,055 income reflects fewer high-wage employers and a smaller population base. Even Taylor County to the south outearns Sawyer by $4,087 per household.

Rent-to-income ratio favors renters

Sawyer's rent-to-income ratio of 13.9% ranks among Wisconsin's healthiest, meaning renters here spend less of their earnings on housing than most state peers. With median home values at $223,300, homeownership remains accessible relative to incomes.

Building security on modest means

Sawyer households earning $59,055 should prioritize automatic savings programs and employer retirement plans—even modest contributions compound over time. Working with local credit unions and financial advisors familiar with rural economies can unlock strategies tailored to seasonal or variable income patterns common in northern Wisconsin.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sawyer County

via CrimeByCounty

Sawyer County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Sawyer County maintains a safety score of 97.8, reflecting a community significantly more secure than the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 1401.1 per 100,000 residents sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

Above the State Average for Incidents

Despite its national standing, Sawyer County's crime rate of 1401.1 exceeds the Wisconsin state average of 1103.1. Its safety score of 97.8 tracks slightly lower than the state average safety score of 98.3.

Comparing Safety in Northern Wisconsin

While Sawyer County reports 1401.1 crimes per 100,000 people, neighboring Vilas County sees a much lower rate of 298.1. This regional variation highlights Sawyer's higher concentration of reported incidents compared to its immediate northern neighbors.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Violent crime remains low at 310.1 per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average of 369.8. However, property crimes account for the majority of local offenses, totaling 1091.0 incidents per 100,000 people.

Securing Your Property in Sawyer

Since property crimes represent nearly 78% of local offenses, home security is a vital priority. Simple measures like smart locks and motion-sensor lighting can effectively deter theft and seasonal cabin break-ins.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Sawyer County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Compact Educational Network in the North

Sawyer County operates 11 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 2,167 students. The infrastructure includes five high schools and three elementary schools, providing a focused learning environment for the region.

Consistent Performance with Efficient Spending

The county maintains an 87.4% graduation rate, which slightly exceeds the national average of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure sits at $8,001, just below the state average of $8,113, the county achieves a solid school score of 54.3.

Hayward Community Schools Lead the Way

The Hayward Community School District is the largest provider, educating 1,905 students across six schools. Charter schools represent over 27% of the county's options, including the Hayward Center for Individualized Learning which serves 229 students.

Small Classes in a Rural Setting

Education here is predominantly rural, with eight schools in rural zones and three in town settings. Schools are intimate, averaging just 217 students, ranging from Hayward High's 529 students to the tiny 13-student Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Institute.

Invest in a Community Dedicated to Learning

Families seeking small class sizes and a mix of traditional and charter options should explore housing in the Hayward area. Quality local schools remain a top driver for property values in this scenic county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sawyer County

via RiskByCounty

Sawyer County's moderate risk profile

With a composite risk score of 74.49, Sawyer County faces above-average natural disaster risk compared to the U.S. average, earning a "Relatively Low" overall rating. This score reflects the county's exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly flooding, which poses the most significant threat to residents and property.

Above average for Wisconsin

Sawyer County's risk score of 74.49 significantly exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08, placing it in the higher-risk tier among the state's 72 counties. This elevation is driven primarily by the county's flood vulnerability, which scores 62.09—well above typical levels.

Riskier than nearby Bayfield

Compared to neighboring Vilas County (63.26 composite score) and Ashland County, Sawyer County presents elevated overall risk. The primary differentiator is Sawyer's higher flood exposure, a characteristic of its geography and water systems that affects neighboring communities differently.

Flooding and tornadoes top concerns

Flooding poses the greatest threat to Sawyer County, with a risk score of 62.09, while tornado risk reaches 30.22—moderately elevated compared to many U.S. counties. Wildfire risk remains low at 17.75, making it a secondary concern for most residents.

Prioritize flood and windstorm coverage

Given flood risk exposure of 62.09, homeowners should ensure comprehensive flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially those in mapped flood zones or near waterways. Consider windstorm coverage to protect against tornado damage, particularly for roof and structural integrity.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Sawyer County

via WaterByCounty

Water Quality Struggles in Sawyer County

Sawyer County receives an F grade for drinking water compliance, driven by a health violation rate of 154.7 per 100,000 people. This rate is more than double the Wisconsin state average of 76.3. Over the last five years, local water systems recorded six major health-based violations.

Mercury and Phosphorus Threaten Local Lakes

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle identifies that 1.4% of assessed water bodies in the county are impaired, which remains well below the state average of 7.6%. Mercury and phosphorus are the primary pollutants cited for these failures. These findings come from a comprehensive review of 968 assessed water bodies across the county.

Robust Monitoring Tracks Algae and Nutrients

Technicians manage 144 active monitoring sites, generating 78,759 individual measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics, nutrient levels, and biological markers like algae and phytoplankton. This consistent tracking provides a clear baseline for long-term ecological shifts.

Chippewa River Flows Below Typical Levels

The USGS gauge on the Chippewa River at Bishops Bridge currently reports a discharge of 600 cfs. This flow represents 82% of its long-term mean of 734 cfs. This station monitors a significant drainage area of 790 square miles near Winter, Wisconsin.

Prioritize Filtration and Health Awareness

Given the county's F grade and high violation rate, residents should prioritize home water testing and high-quality filtration systems. Local watershed impairments from mercury suggest caution regarding fish consumption in affected areas. Monitoring lower-than-typical streamflow is also vital as it can concentrate pollutants in local source water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sawyer County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep Cold in the North Woods

Sawyer County is one of the cooler spots in the country with an annual average of 41.7°F. This northern climate is defined by heavy snowfall and a shorter growing season.

Colder Than the Rest of Wisconsin

The county falls nearly 3 degrees below the Wisconsin average of 44.4°F. It is one of the state's premier northern climates, known for its intense winters.

Leading the Region in Snowfall

Sawyer is significantly snowier than its southern neighbor Rusk, receiving 61.3 inches compared to Rusk's 47.9. This makes it a major destination for winter recreation.

A Dominant Winter Snow Season

Winter features a January average of 12.1°F and heavy snow. Summers are pleasant and rarely hot, with only 4 days reaching 90°F over the entire year.

Prepare for Major Snow Removal

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment is a necessity to manage the 61.3 inches of annual snowfall. Residents should invest in high-efficiency insulation for the 15.6°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sawyer County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in the North Woods

Sawyer County features a very acidic profile with an average pH of 4.94, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity surpasses the Wisconsin state average of 5.63, demanding careful management for traditional crops. While specific taxonomic orders remain unclassified in local data, the chemical signature remains distinct.

A Light and Sandy Texture

The soil contains 37.5% sand and a modest 6.3% clay, ensuring the ground stays light and easy to work. Silt accounts for 28.8% of the mix, providing enough body to prevent total nutrient loss through leaching. This high-sand composition means the soil warms up quickly in the spring sunshine.

Unusually High Organic Richness

Sawyer boasts a massive organic matter content of 23.52%, more than double the state average of 11.02%. This biological wealth drives an available water capacity of 0.246 in/in, which is roughly 20% higher than the typical Wisconsin soil. Such high fertility offers a strong foundation for specialty crops that thrive in damp, rich environments.

Hydrology Driven by Porosity

While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not documented in the current dataset, the high sand content suggests naturally rapid water movement. Gardeners should monitor for fast drying during summer spells despite the high organic matter. This natural drainage usually makes the county favorable for building foundations.

Growing in Hardiness Zone 4a

The cold winters of Zone 4a favor resilient perennials and short-season vegetables. Blueberries and cranberries thrive here due to the naturally low pH and high organic matter. Start your garden today with cold-hardy varieties that love the rich, northern soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sawyer County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climate in the Northwoods

Sawyer County earns a lawn difficulty score of 48.7, trailing both the national median of 50.0 and the Wisconsin state average of 64.4. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 4a face a significantly shorter growing window than those in southern Wisconsin.

Cool Temperatures and Short Seasons

While 34.8 inches of annual precipitation provides adequate moisture, a low count of 1,969 growing degree days limits turf development. With only 4 extreme heat days per year, heat stress is rare, but the late May frost delays the start of spring maintenance.

Acidic Soil Requires Heavy Amending

The soil pH of 4.94 is far more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range, making lime applications essential for nutrient uptake. A low clay content of 6.3% suggests that while drainage is likely fast, the soil may struggle to hold onto fertilizers.

Managing 28 Weeks of Drought

The county spent 28 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize absorption and build root resilience.

Planting for Success in Zone 4a

Fine Fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are the best choices for these northern conditions. Plan your seeding projects after the final spring frost on May 23 or well before the first fall frost on September 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sawyer County's county score?
Sawyer County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 48.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Sawyer County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
Sawyer County ranks #49 among all counties in Wisconsin on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Sawyer County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in Sawyer County is $1,899, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Sawyer County a tax score of 48.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sawyer County?
The median household income in Sawyer County, Wisconsin is $59,055 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sawyer County earns an income score of 35.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sawyer County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
Sawyer County scores 48.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate Sawyer County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Sawyer County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.