Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Custer, SD
Considering a move to Custer, SD? With about 1,950 residents and a median home price of $299,000, Custer offers affordable living in the scenic Black Hills. Enjoy a short average commute of 15 minutes, low unemployment, and a relaxed, small-town feel. Crime rates are low, and residents benefit from great access to nature, 65% sunny days annually, and quality local schools — all making Custer a welcoming choice for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Custer, SD
Demographics - Custer, SD
Custer is home to around 1,950 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 54.2, indicating a mature, close-knit community. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a small but diverse representation of Native American and Hispanic or Latino residents. With a population density of about 1,100 people per square mile, Custer offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,947
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
90.4%
Others:
2.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Custer, SD?
Living in Custer is affordable, with a median home value of $299,000 and average rent around $900, both below national averages. The cost of living index is 92.3, reflecting lower expenses for housing and transportation, while utilities and healthcare costs are slightly above average. Residents also benefit from zero state income taxes, making Custer an attractive choice for both families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$299,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$460
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.3
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
83.6
Utilities:
96.4
Transportation:
89.7
Health Care:
108.2
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Custer, SD a safe place to live?
Custer enjoys a low crime rate, with just 204 violent crimes and 1,429 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 490, which is lower than many similar-sized towns. This safe environment is ideal for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
204
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,429
Crime Index:
1,633
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 490
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Custer, SD year-round?
Custer experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 80°F and chilly winters that can dip to 15°F. The city receives about 20 inches of annual rainfall and benefits from 65% sunny days each year. Residents enjoy a pleasant climate with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
34°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Residents of Custer have a median household income of $61,400 and a low unemployment rate of 2.8%. The community is well-educated, with over 92% holding at least a high school diploma, and enjoys short average commute times of about 15 minutes. The poverty rate is modest at 7.3%, reflecting the area's economic stability.
Median Income:
$36,200
Household Income:
$61,400
Family Income:
$72,800
Per Capita Income:
$34,100
Income Male:
$40,300
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
7.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
14.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.6%
Bachelors or More:
29.4%
Education
How are the schools in Custer, SD?
Custer offers quality public education with small class sizes, as seen at Custer Elementary and High School, serving a combined total of around 560 students. There are no private schools in town, but higher education is accessible at Black Hills State University in nearby Spearfish. The local schools provide a supportive learning environment, making Custer suitable for families with children.
Public Schools
Name:
Custer Elementary School
Street:
333 Crook St
Phone:
605-673-4483
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Name:
Custer High School
Street:
1645 Wildcat Ln
Phone:
605-673-4473
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Colleges
Name:
Black Hills State University
City:
Spearfish
State:
SD
Distance:
62 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Custer is served by Monument Health Custer Hospital, a critical access facility offering emergency services and a solid physician-to-population ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of locals have health insurance, and the healthcare cost index is favorable compared to national standards. Residents benefit from accessible and reliable healthcare services in town.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Monument Health Custer Hospital
Address:
1220 Montgomery St, Custer, SD 57730
Phone:
(605) 673-9400
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Custer, SD?
The local housing market is stable, with a median home price of $299,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 73.5%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $900 and a rental vacancy rate of 8.1%. Home values saw a 5% appreciation last year, showing steady growth and investment potential.
Median Home Price:
$299,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver licensing services for Custer residents are managed by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, with the nearest office located in Rapid City. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other services both in-person and online through the state's official DMV website. The department provides helpful resources and support for new and existing drivers.
State:
South Dakota
Department:
South Dakota Department of Public Safety - Driver Licensing
Address:
130 Kansas City St #100, Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone:
(605) 773-6883
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.