Black Hills National Forest, Custer, Custer County, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,496
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,469/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,286
0.6% year-over-year change

Black Hills National Forest population

How many people live in Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest is home to 5,496 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Black Hills National Forest locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
5,496
-0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
2,617
Female
52.4%
2,878
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,617 47.6% 0.1%
Female 2,878 52.4% -1.8%
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 Black Hills National Forest is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 10% are children under 15, then 9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.4% of the population, while another 27.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 36.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
57.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
10%
15 to 24
9%
25 to 44
17.4%
45 to 64
27.2%
Over 65
36.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 552 10% -6.0%
15 to 24 496 9% 17.8%
25 to 44 956 17.4% -7.1%
45 to 64 1,494 27.2% -8.3%
Over 65 1,998 36.4% 6.4%
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 Black Hills National Forest, 96.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 88.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,288 96.2% -2.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 147 2.7% 81.5%
Non-citizens 60 1.1% 30.4%
Racial breakdown
White
88.2%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.8%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.1%
Other
2%
Value Percent
White 4,847 88.2%
Black or African American 19 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 96 1.8%
Asian 33 0.6%
Two or more races 388 7.1%
Other 112 2%

Households in Black Hills National Forest

A peek inside Black Hills National Forest households

Black Hills National Forest has 2,684 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.9% are families, while the remaining 29.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,684
8.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
781
Family households
1,903
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 781 29.1% 6.0%
Family households 1,903 70.9% 9.6%
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 Black Hills National Forest

The housing landscape of Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest's housing consists of 3,286 units, with 76.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.8% 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 10.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,286
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,508 76.3%
1 unit, attached 91 2.8%
2 units 8 0.2%
3 or 4 units 67 2%
5 to 9 units 76 2.3%
10 to 19 units 81 2.5%
20 to 49 units 79 2.4%
Mobile home 359 10.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 18 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
129
44.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Black Hills National Forest

In Black Hills National Forest, the median construction year is 1981. About 13.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 435 13.2% -11.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 284 8.6% 15.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 220 6.7% -23.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 229 7% 23.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 456 13.9% -8.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 244 7.4% -10.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 269 8.2% 21.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 643 19.6% 0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 378 11.5% 12.2%
Built in 2020 or later 129 3.9% 44.9%
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.

Black Hills National Forest occupancy rates

Out of the 2,684 occupied housing units in Black Hills National Forest, 80.4% are owner-occupied, while 19.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,684
8.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
527
Owner occupied
2,157
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 527 19.6% 10.5%
Owner occupied 2,157 80.4% 8.0%
Unoccupied housing units
18.3%
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.

Black Hills National Forest housing costs

Housing costs in Black Hills National Forest come to a median of $1,175 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,087.

Median housing costs per month
$1,175/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 Black Hills National Forest
$1,087/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 Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest education at a glance

About 28.3% of the population in Black Hills National Forest went to high school, while 25.9% pursued college studies. Another 9.5% earned an associate degree and 24% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 129 2.7% 33.0%
High school diploma 1,342 28.3% -18.9%
College diploma 1,228 25.9% 13.1%
Associate degree 451 9.5% 33.8%
Bachelor's degree 1,138 24% -1.0%
Graduate degree 460 9.7% -0.9%
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 Black Hills National Forest

How much people earn in Black Hills National Forest

The average annual household income in Black Hills National Forest was $110,337 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,469, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Black Hills National Forest
$110,337/year
5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Black Hills National Forest
$83,469/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Black Hills National Forest income by age

In Black Hills National Forest, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,802. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $109,653 overall. Overall, 89.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $88,802 5.4%
45 - 64 $109,653 -1.1%
Over 65 $51,523 -19.6%
Above poverty level
4,814
Below poverty level
539
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,814 89.9% -3.5%
Below poverty level 539 10.1% 30.5%

Employment in Black Hills National Forest

Workforce and job types in Black Hills National Forest

74.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20% run their own businesses, 50.8% are employed by private companies, and 19.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,805
Blue collar
604
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,805 74.9% -2.8%
Blue collar 604 25.1% 7.1%
Employer type
Self employees
20%
Private companies
50.8%
Governmental workers
19.8%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 482 20% 33.1%
Private companies 1,224 50.8% -6.4%
Governmental workers 476 19.8% -2.1%
Not for profit companies 227 9.4% -14.0%

Transportation in Black Hills National Forest

How people get around in Black Hills National Forest

Commuting methods vary: 92.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.2% 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 1,905 92.6% -4.8%
Motorcycle 23 1.1% N/A
Bicycle 24 1.2% -22.6%
Walk 106 5.2% 49.3%
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 Black Hills National Forest by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
57730 5,596 2,733 $83,469 $110,337

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FAQs about Black Hills National Forest demographics 

What is the total population of Black Hills National Forest?

Black Hills National Forest has a total population of 5,496 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 -0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Black Hills National Forest?

The gender ratio in Black Hills National Forest is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (2,617 residents)
  • 52.4% females (2,878 residents)

What is the median age in Black Hills National Forest?

The median age in Black Hills National Forest is 57.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Black Hills National Forest?

The age distribution in Black Hills National Forest is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10% (552 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9% (496 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.4% (956 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.2% (1,494 residents)
  • Over 65: 36.4% (1,998 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Black Hills National Forest?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Black Hills National Forest is as follows:
  • White: 88.2% (4,847 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (19 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.8% (96 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (33 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.1% (388 residents)
  • Other: 2% (112 residents)

What percentage of the population in Black Hills National Forest are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in Black Hills National Forest.

How many housing units are there in Black Hills National Forest?

There are 3,286 housing units in Black Hills National Forest, reflecting a +0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Black Hills National Forest and what is the average household size?

Black Hills National Forest has a total of 2,684 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Black Hills National Forest?

Black Hills National Forest has a median household income of $83,469, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Black Hills National Forest?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.9% (1,805 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.1% (604 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20% (482 residents)
  • Private companies: 50.8% (1,224 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.8% (476 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (227 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