Median Income
$65,625
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$181,300
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
253/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,600
38% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.9%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Sawyer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population305
Median Age33.6 yrs
Density622/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,625
Per Capita$34,585
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$5,094M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$181,300
Rent$1,600
Ownership93.5%
Zillow$211,194
Housing Units124
Rent Burden38.0%
Crime
F
Violent253/100K
Property1,095/100K
Health
Obesity32.9%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking12.5%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain19.3 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,536 ft (468 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute20 min
Broadband92.7%
EV Stations6
Libraries4
Is Sawyer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sawyer receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Sawyer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sawyer is $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sawyer is $181,300, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,600 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sawyer is below the national average at 253 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,095 per 100,000, 44% below the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Sawyer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.3 inches, including 51.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Sawyer has a population of 305 with a density of 622 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 33.6 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.6yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Sawyer is $65,625, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,585 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,163, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,723 business establishments, including 176 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,625 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,585 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,163 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,981 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,723 |
| County GDP | $5,094M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 176 |
| Healthcare | 196 |
| Retail | 284 |
| Manufacturing | 42 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,178 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Sawyer is $181,300, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,194, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,600 (38% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 124 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $6,178 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $181,300 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $211,194 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,600 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.5% |
| Housing Units | 124 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,178 |
| 77% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.41% |
In Sawyer, 32.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.0% report depression. 14.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,279. The dentist ratio is 1:1,187. 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sawyer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.9% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 14.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,279 |
| Dentists | 1:1,187 |
| Mental Health | 1:330 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,781/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 196 |
Sawyer has a violent crime rate of 253 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,095 per 100,000, 44% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sawyer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sawyer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 252.7/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,095.2/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sawyer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 274 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 19.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,536 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 40.1°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,536 ft (468 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 622/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.0895°N, 101.0533°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ward County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minot International (MOT)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.3"
49% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.11"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0476 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.9 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.29 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 64.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
220 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 19 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 26, 1986 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1958 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2004 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
EF2 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1982 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1973 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1960 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1958 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1955 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1954 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1954 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 2022 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CLEAR LAKE (5,040 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
CLEAR LAKE |
5,040 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
RED CROSS |
3,015 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
NDJCR WUI RX COUNTY RD 17 2016 |
2,772 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
COUNTY ROAD 17 |
2,291 |
63 km |
| 1994 |
ASPEN |
1,994 |
63 km |
| 2008 |
POOL 326 |
1,805 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
RIVERDALE WOODS/DOWNSTREAM |
1,705 |
74 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,678 |
94 km |
| 1997 |
FOXHOLM1 |
1,187 |
47 km |
| 2007 |
ROBINSON SUNFLOWER |
1,115 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Sawyer has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 10°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.1") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Sawyer. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$223 ($134-$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178-$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89-$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712-$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134-$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356-$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89-$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134-$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560-$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356-$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895-$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445-$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450-$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780-$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712-$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178-$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890-$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67-$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23-$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23-$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67-$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56-$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71-$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67-$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068-$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534-$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445-$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178-$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356-$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450-$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45-$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134-$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89-$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $869 |
| Preschool | $807 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $701 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $666 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sawyer
What is the population of Sawyer?
Sawyer has a population of 305 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 622 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Sawyer expensive to live in?
Sawyer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $181,300 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,600 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sawyer safe?
Sawyer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 253 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,095 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sawyer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sawyer?
Sawyer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.3 inches, with 51.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Sawyer?
Sawyer has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,163. There are 2,723 business establishments in the area, including 176 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sawyer?
The median home value in Sawyer is $181,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $211,194. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,600. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 93.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,178.
How are the schools in Sawyer?
Schools in Sawyer score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Sawyer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sawyer?
The obesity rate in Sawyer is 32.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,279.
What is transportation like in Sawyer?
The average commute in Sawyer is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sawyer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sawyer is 98.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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