Sawyer County, Wisconsin

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Sawyer County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,074. Its county seat is Hayward. The county was founded in 1883 and named after Philetus Sawyer, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,350 square miles (3,500 km²), of which 1,257 square miles (3,260 km²) is land and 93 square miles (240 km²) (6.9%) is water. The county is known for its numerous lakes, rivers, and forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.

Adjacent counties

• Bayfield County - north
• Ashland County - northeast
• Price County - east
• Rusk County - south
• Barron County - southwest
• Washburn County - west

Major highways

• U.S. Highway 63
• Wisconsin Highway 27
• Wisconsin Highway 70
• Wisconsin Highway 77

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 18,074 people, 8,000 households, and 4,800 families residing in the county. The population density was 14 people per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with significant populations of Native Americans and smaller percentages of other races.

Communities

City

• Hayward

Towns

• Bass Lake
• Couderay
• Draper
• Edgewater
• Hayward (town)
• Hunter
• Lenroot
• Meadowbrook
• Meteor
• Ojibwa
• Radisson
• Round Lake
• Sand Lake
• Spider Lake
• Weirgor
• Winter

Census-designated places

• Chief Lake
• Little Round Lake
• New Post
• Reserve
• Stone Lake

Unincorporated communities

• Beaverbrook
• Clam Lake
• Couderay
• Exeland
• Loretta
• Moose Lake
• Radisson
• Winter

Economy

The economy of Sawyer County is largely based on tourism, forestry, and agriculture. The county's numerous lakes and forests attract visitors for fishing, hunting, boating, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa operates several enterprises in the county, contributing to the local economy.

Education

Sawyer County is served by several school districts, including the Hayward Community School District and the Winter School District. The county also has a campus of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College.

Notable people

• Tony Wise, founder of the American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race
• Philetus Sawyer, U.S. Senator after whom the county is named

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Sawyer County, Wisconsin
• List of counties in Wisconsin