Sawyer
Wisconsin

What stands out

Against every county in America, Sawyer County is unusual in three ways: the restaurant count per person is among the most in America (2.6 per 1,000), the average temperature is in the bottom 3% of American counties (42°F), and natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 7% of American counties (7 of 100). Within Wisconsin it ranks 4th of 71 counties for the restaurant count per person.

Where you are

You live in Sawyer County, Wisconsin. 18,057 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +161).

Wisconsin has a graduated income tax reaching 7.65%, does not tax Social Security, and exempts some retirement income for residents 65 and over. Property taxes are high, largely for schools and local services, with a state lottery credit offsetting part of the bill. Milwaukee and Madison drive most job growth; the northern half of the state is lakes, forests and second homes.

Money

The typical household here brings in $57,519 a year, lower than 60% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,406. Unemployment runs 4.0%, higher than 69% of American counties. 10% of workers work from home.

Wisconsin takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,445 a year.

Home

The median home costs $339K, pricier than 77% of American counties, about 2.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $857 a month. Property tax is 0.90% of home value, roughly $1,896 a year on that median home, higher than 53% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 61% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.7 years, shorter than 63% of American counties. There are 28 active physicians in the county, about 15.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 8.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.13 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 64% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 14 points. 79% of eligible voters turned out. Under Wisconsin law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 42°F, highs near 52 and lows near 31, colder than 97% of American counties. About 27 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 7 out of 100, safer than 93% of American counties; the county has had 9 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 119 Mbps down, slower than 82% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 2.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.