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.
Sawyer County, WI Climate
Sawyer County, WI has an average annual temperature of 4.8°C (41°F) and receives about 824 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.8°C
Avg Temp
824
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -13° / 9° | 26 mm |
| February | -9° / 15° | 20 mm |
| March | -3° / 27° | 45 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 60 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 83 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 102 mm |
| July | 20° / 67° | 110 mm |
| August | 18° / 65° | 113 mm |
| September | 13° / 56° | 114 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 73 mm |
| November | -1° / 29° | 45 mm |
| December | -9° / 15° | 33 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Sawyer County, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Sawyer County, WI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 26°C high). The coldest is January (near -18°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sawyer County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.