Living in Custer, South Dakota
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Custer · Census data 2020–2024
Custer has 2,341 residents with a median age of 51.2. The median household income is $78,369 (4% higher than the South Dakota median), the median home value is $235,600, the median rent is $968/month.
Custer at a glance
- Population
- 2,341
- Median age
- 51.2State: 38
- Median household income
- $78,369State: $75,081
- Median home value
- $235,600State: $257,400
- Median rent
- $968/moState: $946
- Homeowners
- 69.5%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 26.1%
- Average commute
- 19 min
Is Custer a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 4% higher than the South Dakota median; home values 8% lower than the state median.
Cons: An average commute of 19 minutes; unemployment of 4%; a poverty rate of 14.2%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Custer
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Custer the median home value is $235,600, 29% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $968 per month, which is 23.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,444 a month in housing costs.
Custer median household income
The median household income in Custer is $78,369 and the income per person is $48,209. 14.2% of residents live below the poverty line (South Dakota: 11.9%).
Housing in Custer: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 1,383
- Owner-occupied
- 69.5%
- Renter-occupied
- 30.5%
- Vacant
- 15.5%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1971
- Average household size
- 1.90
Custer demographics
- Population
- 2,341
- Median age
- 51.2
- Under 18
- 13.4%
- 65 and older
- 34.7%
- Households
- 1,169
- Foreign-born
- 1.8%
- Veterans
- 10.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Custer ›
Education in Custer
26.1% of adults 25 and older in Custer have a bachelor's degree or higher (South Dakota: 31.9%), and 8.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Custer
- Unemployment rate
- 4%State: 2.9%
- Average commute
- 19 minState: 18 min
- Work from home
- 8.1%
- Drive alone
- 81.8%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 2.6%
- Homes with broadband
- 90.2%
Custer vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custer | 2,341 | $78,369 | $235,600 | $968 |
| Hill City | 834 | $95,385 | $286,200 | $1,345 |
| Keystone | 336 | $64,702 | $263,900 | $546 |
| Hermosa | 353 | $53,203 | $148,800 | $1,264 |
| Colonial Pine Hills | 2,609 | $98,696 | $406,500 | — |
| Johnson Siding | 704 | $102,716 | $471,700 | — |
| Buffalo Gap | 131 | $54,063 | $100,000 | — |
| Hot Springs | 3,548 | $66,338 | $202,600 | $897 |
| Hill View Heights | 240 | $160,114 | $223,800 | — |
More for people moving to Custer
Custer ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Custer: FAQ
What is the median household income in Custer, SD?
The median household income in Custer is $78,369, 4% higher than the South Dakota median of $75,081 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Custer?
The median home value in Custer is $235,600, compared with $257,400 in South Dakota.
How much is rent in Custer?
The median gross rent in Custer is $968 per month, about 23.1% of household income.
Is Custer, SD a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 4% higher than the South Dakota median; home values 8% lower than the state median. Minuses: an average commute of 19 minutes; unemployment of 4%; a poverty rate of 14.2%.
What is the median age in Custer?
The median age in Custer is 51.2 years (South Dakota: 38).
How long is the commute in Custer?
The average commute to work in Custer is 19 minutes; 8.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Custer?
The unemployment rate in Custer is 4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Custer?
26.1% of adults in Custer have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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