Custer County, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
11,961
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,605/yr
11.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,784
0.2% year-over-year change

Custer County population

How many people live in Custer County

Custer County is home to 11,961 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.4% of Custer County locals are male, and 49.6% are female.

Total population
11,961
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.4%
6,022
Female
49.6%
5,939
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,022 50.4% -0.2%
Female 5,939 49.6% 0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Custer County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.1% are children under 15, then 11.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.1% of the population, while another 26.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.1%
15 to 24
11.4%
25 to 44
25.1%
45 to 64
26.6%
Over 65
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,930 16.1% -1.5%
15 to 24 1,363 11.4% -1.0%
25 to 44 3,004 25.1% 0.0%
45 to 64 3,182 26.6% 0.6%
Over 65 2,482 20.8% 2.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Custer County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,771 98.4% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 119 1% -29.2%
Non-citizens 71 0.6% -5.3%
Racial breakdown
White
90.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.8%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 10,817 90.4%
Black or African American 4 0%
American Indian and Alaska Native 220 1.8%
Asian 54 0.4%
Two or more races 798 6.7%
Other 68 0.6%

Households in Custer County

A peek inside Custer County households

Custer County has 5,038 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.9% are families, while the remaining 38.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,038
-0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,919
Family households
3,119
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,919 38.1% -5.9%
Family households 3,119 61.9% 3.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Custer County

The housing landscape of Custer County

Custer County's housing consists of 5,784 units, with 69.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 12.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,784
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,033 69.7%
1 unit, attached 117 2%
2 units 83 1.4%
3 or 4 units 225 3.9%
5 to 9 units 155 2.7%
10 to 19 units 192 3.3%
20 to 49 units 162 2.8%
50 or more units 92 1.6%
Mobile home 714 12.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 11 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
29
26.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Custer County

In Custer County, the median construction year is 1965. About 25.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,450 25.1% -4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 405 7% -9.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 816 14.1% 4.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 423 7.3% 3.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,249 21.6% 4.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 376 6.5% -1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 337 5.8% -2.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 328 5.7% 5.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 371 6.4% 4.8%
Built in 2020 or later 29 0.5% 26.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Custer County occupancy rates

Out of the 5,038 occupied housing units in Custer County, 69.9% are owner-occupied, while 30.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,038
-0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,518
Owner occupied
3,520
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,518 30.1% -4.5%
Owner occupied 3,520 69.9% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
12.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Custer County housing costs

Housing costs in Custer County come to a median of $895 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $893.

Median housing costs per month
$895/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Custer County
$893/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Custer County

Custer County education at a glance

About 37.2% of the population in Custer County went to high school, while 24.7% pursued college studies. Another 12.1% earned an associate degree and 18.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 140 1.5% -25.5%
High school diploma 3,564 37.2% 5.6%
College diploma 2,371 24.7% 2.9%
Associate degree 1,158 12.1% 4.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,783 18.6% -7.1%
Graduate degree 576 6% -13.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Custer County

How much people earn in Custer County

The average annual household income in Custer County was $85,295 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,605, reflecting a +11% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Custer County
$85,295/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Custer County
$70,605/year
11.0% year-over-year change

Custer County income by age

In Custer County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,205. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,435 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,426, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,292 in earnings. Overall, 88.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,426 1.0%
25 - 44 $80,205 -5.0%
45 - 64 $84,435 5.7%
Over 65 $52,292 13.0%
Above poverty level
10,051
Below poverty level
1,298
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 10,051 88.6% -0.1%
Below poverty level 1,298 11.4% -3.4%

Employment in Custer County

Workforce and job types in Custer County

The job market in Custer County is powered by 6,289 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.3% run their own businesses, 52.9% are employed by private companies, and 21.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,289
0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
4,970
Blue collar
1,319
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,970 79% 1.0%
Blue collar 1,319 21% -1.4%
Employer type
Self employees
14.3%
Private companies
52.9%
Governmental workers
21.4%
Not for profit companies
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 901 14.3% -6.2%
Private companies 3,328 52.9% -0.4%
Governmental workers 1,348 21.4% 1.1%
Not for profit companies 712 11.3% 14.5%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
28.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Custer County stands at 3.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Custer County

How people get around in Custer County

Commuting methods vary: 88.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,486 88.1% 0.8%
Bus or trolleybus 17 0.3% 325.0%
Bicycle 5 0.1% N/A
Walk 376 6% 20.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Custer County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59301 11,643 4,873 $71,332 $84,965
59336 220 81 $64,375 $111,338
59338 136 81 $69,375 $110,705
59351 202 88 $0 $52,843

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FAQs about Custer County demographics 

What is the total population of Custer County?

Custer County has a total population of 11,961 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Custer County?

The gender ratio in Custer County is as follows:
  • 50.4% males (6,022 residents)
  • 49.6% females (5,939 residents)

What is the median age in Custer County?

The median age in Custer County is 42.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Custer County?

The age distribution in Custer County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.1% (1,930 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.4% (1,363 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.1% (3,004 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.6% (3,182 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.8% (2,482 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Custer County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Custer County is as follows:
  • White: 90.4% (10,817 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (4 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.8% (220 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (54 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (798 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (68 residents)

What percentage of the population in Custer County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Custer County.

How many housing units are there in Custer County?

There are 5,784 housing units in Custer County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Custer County and what is the average household size?

Custer County has a total of 5,038 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Custer County?

Custer County has a median household income of $70,605, representing a +11.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Custer County?

The employment rate is 96.6% in Custer County, with a workforce of 6,289 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79% (4,970 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21% (1,319 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.3% (901 residents)
  • Private companies: 52.9% (3,328 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.4% (1,348 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.3% (712 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025