Custer, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,341
9.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,369/yr
-2.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,383
8.0% year-over-year change

Custer population

How many people live in Custer

Custer is home to 2,341 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.8% of Custer locals are male, and 55.2% are female.

Total population
2,341
9.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.8%
1,049
Female
55.2%
1,292
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,049 44.8% 7.2%
Female 1,292 55.2% 10.5%
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 is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.9% are children under 15, then 13.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.5% of the population, while another 18.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 34.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
51.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.9%
15 to 24
13.1%
25 to 44
22.5%
45 to 64
18.8%
Over 65
34.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 256 10.9% 10.3%
15 to 24 306 13.1% 70.0%
25 to 44 527 22.5% 22.0%
45 to 64 440 18.8% -20.1%
Over 65 812 34.7% 7.8%
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, 96.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 7.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.2%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,255 96.3% 8.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 52 2.2% 23.8%
Non-citizens 34 1.4% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
87.6%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.2%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,051 87.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 76 3.2%
Asian 29 1.2%
Two or more races 185 7.9%

Households in Custer

A peek inside Custer households

Custer has 1,169 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.1% are families, while the remaining 31.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,169
13.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
373
Family households
796
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 373 31.9% 8.4%
Family households 796 68.1% 15.9%
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

The housing landscape of Custer

Custer's housing consists of 1,383 units, with 61.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.2% 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 11.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,383
8.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 856 61.9%
1 unit, attached 72 5.2%
2 units 8 0.6%
3 or 4 units 68 4.9%
5 to 9 units 53 3.8%
10 to 19 units 82 5.9%
20 to 49 units 80 5.8%
Mobile home 164 11.9%
Homes built since 2020
23
360.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Custer

In Custer, the median construction year is 1971. About 19.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 271 19.6% -5.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 120 8.7% 23.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 158 11.4% -6.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 132 9.5% 69.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 146 10.6% -23.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 83 6% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 150 10.8% 15.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 244 17.6% 48.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 56 4% -27.3%
Built in 2020 or later 23 1.7% 360.0%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 1,169 occupied housing units in Custer, 69.6% are owner-occupied, while 30.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,169
13.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
356
Owner occupied
813
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 356 30.4% 1.4%
Owner occupied 813 69.6% 19.6%
Unoccupied housing units
15.5%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Custer come to a median of $1,033 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $968.

Median housing costs per month
$1,033/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
$968/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

Custer education at a glance

About 36.8% of the population in Custer went to high school, while 25% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 19.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 31 1.5% 29.2%
High school diploma 746 36.8% 2.3%
College diploma 506 25% 7.0%
Associate degree 197 9.7% 72.8%
Bachelor's degree 403 19.9% 20.3%
Graduate degree 144 7.1% -23.4%
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

How much people earn in Custer

The average annual household income in Custer was $98,287 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,369, reflecting a -2.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Custer
$98,287/year
-6.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Custer
$78,369/year
-2.3% year-over-year change

Custer income by age

In Custer, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,577. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $98,824 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $48,720, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,375 in earnings. Overall, 85.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $48,720 N/A
25 - 44 $95,577 11.2%
45 - 64 $98,824 -11.4%
Over 65 $58,375 -10.2%
Above poverty level
1,920
Below poverty level
318
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,920 85.8% 4.1%
Below poverty level 318 14.2% 59.8%

Average renter income in Custer

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Custer, their median household income was $40,357 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,357
Rent-to-income ratio
28.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Custer

Workforce and job types in Custer

The job market in Custer is powered by 1,041 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.6% run their own businesses, 53.3% are employed by private companies, and 22.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,041
7.3% year-over-year change
White collar
725
Blue collar
316
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 725 69.6% -3.0%
Blue collar 316 30.4% 41.7%
Employer type
Self employees
15.6%
Private companies
53.3%
Governmental workers
22.6%
Not for profit companies
8.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 162 15.6% 30.6%
Private companies 555 53.3% 8.8%
Governmental workers 235 22.6% 6.3%
Not for profit companies 89 8.6% -22.6%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
34.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Custer stands at 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

How people get around in Custer

Commuting methods vary: 88.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% 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 910 88.8% 8.7%
Bicycle 5 0.5% 66.7%
Walk 27 2.6% -38.6%
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 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 Custer demographics 

What is the total population of Custer?

Custer has a total population of 2,341 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 +9.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Custer?

The gender ratio in Custer is as follows:
  • 44.8% males (1,049 residents)
  • 55.2% females (1,292 residents)

What is the median age in Custer?

The median age in Custer is 51.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Custer?

The age distribution in Custer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.9% (256 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.1% (306 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.5% (527 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.8% (440 residents)
  • Over 65: 34.7% (812 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Custer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Custer is as follows:
  • White: 87.6% (2,051 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.2% (76 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (29 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.9% (185 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.3% of the population in Custer.

How many housing units are there in Custer?

There are 1,383 housing units in Custer, reflecting a +8.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Custer has a total of 1,169 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Custer?

Custer has a median household income of $78,369, representing a -2.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96% in Custer, with a workforce of 1,041 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.6% (725 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.4% (316 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.6% (162 residents)
  • Private companies: 53.3% (555 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.6% (235 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.6% (89 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