Custer, Whatcom County, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
477
79.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$93,598/yr
-28.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
187
65.5% year-over-year change

Custer population

How many people live in Custer

Custer is home to 477 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.9% of Custer locals are male, and 54.1% are female.

Total population
477
79.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.9%
219
Female
54.1%
258
Value Percent YoY change
Male 219 45.9% 72.4%
Female 258 54.1% 85.6%
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 is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 4.4% are children under 15, then 7.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 42.6% of the population, while another 25.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
4.4%
15 to 24
7.8%
25 to 44
42.6%
45 to 64
25.6%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 21 4.4% 5.0%
15 to 24 37 7.8% N/A
25 to 44 203 42.6% 26.1%
45 to 64 122 25.6% 110.3%
Over 65 94 19.7% 248.2%
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, 86% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 13.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
86%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 410 86% 76.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 67 14% 97.1%
Racial breakdown
White
79%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
7.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.2%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 377 79%
Asian 37 7.8%
Two or more races 63 13.2%

Households in Custer

A peek inside Custer households

Custer has 187 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 86.1% are families, while the remaining 13.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
187
65.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
26
Family households
161
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 26 13.9% 188.9%
Family households 161 86.1% 54.8%
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

The housing landscape of Custer

Custer's housing consists of 187 units, with 86.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 13.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
187
65.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 162 86.6%
Mobile home 25 13.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Custer

In Custer, the median construction year is 1980. About 27.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 52 27.8% 57.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 17 9.1% -22.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 25 13.4% 47.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 93 49.7% 126.8%
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

Occupied housing units
187
65.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
0
Owner occupied
187
Value Percent YoY
change
Owner occupied 187 100% 65.5%
Unoccupied housing units
0.0%
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

Median housing costs per month
$1,412/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.

Education in Custer

Custer education at a glance

About 46.7% of the population in Custer went to high school, while 15.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.2% earned an associate degree and 17.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 15 3.3% 0.0%
High school diploma 213 46.7% 163.0%
College diploma 71 15.6% 108.8%
Associate degree 33 7.2% 94.1%
Bachelor's degree 81 17.8% 65.3%
Graduate degree 43 9.4% -14.0%
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 $88,805 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -20.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $93,598, reflecting a -28.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Custer
$88,805/year
-20.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Custer
$93,598/year
-28.1% 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 $126,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $83,333 overall. Overall, 79.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $126,250 -4.2%
45 - 64 $83,333 N/A
Above poverty level
371
Below poverty level
95
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 371 79.6% 53.9%
Below poverty level 95 20.4% 533.3%

Employment in Custer

Workforce and job types in Custer

The job market in Custer is powered by 182 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
182
-2.7% year-over-year change
White collar
107
Blue collar
75
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 107 58.8% -18.3%
Blue collar 75 41.2% 33.9%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
56.6%
Governmental workers
20.3%
Not for profit companies
23.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 103 56.6% 7.3%
Governmental workers 37 20.3% -26.0%
Not for profit companies 42 23.1% 2.4%
Unemployment rate
19.5%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Custer stands at 19.5%, 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

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 167 91.8% -1.8%
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
98240 3,593 1,265 $110,116 $131,966

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FAQs about Custer demographics 

What is the total population of Custer?

Custer has a total population of 477 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 +79.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Custer?

The gender ratio in Custer is as follows:
  • 45.9% males (219 residents)
  • 54.1% females (258 residents)

What is the median age in Custer?

The median age in Custer is 34.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Custer?

The age distribution in Custer is as follows:
  • Under 15: 4.4% (21 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.8% (37 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 42.6% (203 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.6% (122 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (94 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Custer?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Custer is as follows:
  • White: 79% (377 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 7.8% (37 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.2% (63 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 86% of the population in Custer.

How many housing units are there in Custer?

There are 187 housing units in Custer, reflecting a +65.5% 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 187 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Custer?

Custer has a median household income of $93,598, representing a -28.1% 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 80.5% in Custer, with a workforce of 182 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.8% (107 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.2% (75 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 56.6% (103 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.3% (37 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 23.1% (42 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