Sawyer County, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in Wisconsin
The population of Sawyer County, Wisconsin is 18,243 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in Wisconsin. The median household income is $59,055, the median home value is $223,300, and the median age is 52.2.
The population of Sawyer County has grown 13.8% since 2010 (16,553 → 18,835), a +0.93% annualized rate.
18,243
Population
+0.93%
Annual growth
15
People / sq mi
$59,055
Median Income
$223,300
Median Home Value
Sawyer County covers 1,258 sq mi of land at 14.5 people per square mile.
About Sawyer County, WI
Sawyer County skews on age — the median resident is 52.2, older than the national median. Sawyer County is a county in Wisconsin with a population of 18,243.
The typical household here earns about $59,055, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $223,300, with typical rent around $683.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 27.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 11.2%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Sawyer County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Sawyer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sawyer County had a population of 16,553 in 2010 and 18,835 in 2024, a 13.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,835 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.96%.
18,835
Population (2024)
16,553
Population (2010)
18,835
Peak (2024)
0.96%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,553 |
| 2011 | 16,545 |
| 2012 | 16,520 |
| 2013 | 16,479 |
| 2014 | 16,364 |
| 2015 | 16,297 |
| 2016 | 16,327 |
| 2017 | 16,378 |
| 2018 | 16,439 |
| 2019 | 16,540 |
| 2020 | 18,119 |
| 2021 | 18,230 |
| 2022 | 18,575 |
| 2023 | 18,619 |
| 2024 | 18,835 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 77.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 18.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
52.2
Median Age
48.8%
Female
51.2%
Male
27.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.9% · Seniors (65+): 27.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,055$-16,615 vs state |
| Mean household income | $79,980 |
| Per-capita income | $37,653 |
| Poverty rate | 12.6%+6.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sawyer County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.4%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
70.4%
Public transit
11.2%
Work from home
20.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$223,300$-24,100 vs state
Median home value
$683
Median rent
77.4%
Homeownership rate
16,114
Total housing units
52.9%
Occupied
47.1%
Vacant
22.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.6%
With health insurance
91.4%
With broadband internet
38.7%
Foreign-born
9.3%
Veterans (18+)
16.5%
With a disability
95.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.9%
High School+
27.2%
Bachelor's+
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sawyer County, Wisconsin has a population of 18,243 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in Wisconsin. Population density is 15 people per square mile.
The population of Sawyer County has grown 13.8% since 2010 (16,553 → 18,835), a +0.93% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sawyer County, Wisconsin is $59,055, with mean (average) household income of $79,980 and per-capita income of $37,653. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sawyer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (77.9%), Hispanic or Latino (18.5%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sawyer County, Wisconsin is 52.2 years. Residents are 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
The median home value in Sawyer County is $223,300 and median monthly rent is $683. 77.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,114 total housing units, 47.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sawyer County, Wisconsin is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Milwaukee is among the largest cities associated with Sawyer County, Wisconsin, with a population of 569,756.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.