Cost of Living in Sawyer County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Sawyer County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Sawyer County ranks #1,739 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Sawyer County, Wisconsin
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Sawyer County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Sawyer County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $683/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Sawyer County pay $683/month on average, compared to $876/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 22%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,543/year. With a median household income of $59,055, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Sawyer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Wisconsin, Sawyer County is less affordable than Langlade County by roughly 7% ($683/mo vs $737/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Sawyer County
Rent Burden
13.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,378
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
The median home in Sawyer County may be a stretch
Median home value is $223,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,783 vs. your max of $1,378.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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