Sawyer County
WI · Pop. 18,243 · Rural County
Sawyer County, Wisconsin covers 1,258 square miles with a population of 18,243 and a density of 14.5 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, corn, haylage. A median home price of $223,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.85% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 125-day growing season, average summer highs of 76.2°F and average winter lows of 4.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 33.1 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Hayward Area Memorial Hospital is 20.1 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 65.1% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.85% holds annual carrying costs down.
- At 14.5 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
- A low unemployment rate of 4% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- A 125-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Broadband reaches only 65.1% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Hayward Area Memorial Hospital, is 20.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- Average winter lows of 4.3°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
At a glance
Sawyer County, WI is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 45/100
- Median home price
- $223k
- Property tax
- 0.85%
- Growing season
- 125 days (zone 4a)
- Annual rainfall
- 33.1"
- Broadband
- 65.1%
- Nearest hospital
- Hayward Area Memorial Hospital, 20.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Sawyer County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Sawyer County?
- Sawyer County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 125-day growing season, average summer highs of 76.2°F, and average winter lows of 4.3°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $223,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.85%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 65.1% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Hayward Area Memorial Hospital is 20.1 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Wisconsin Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Wisconsin
All Wisconsin countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Sawyer County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.