Custer city, South Dakota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Custer city, South Dakota has a total population of 2,148, the 44th largest city in South Dakota, with a median household income of $80,188, which is 11% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.8%.
Custer city Quick Facts
How Custer city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 33 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Custer city Rankings in South Dakota
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Other Cities in Custer County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pringle town | 198 | $43,929 | 3.0% | $9,999 |
| Buffalo Gap town | 140 | $55,268 | 6.4% | $67,500 |
| Fairburn town | 57 | $21,875 | 8.8% | $80,800 |
Cities Similar to Custer city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volga city | 2,246 | $75,417 | $220,200 | 41.6% | 7.5% |
| North Spearfish CDP | 2,201 | $69,792 | $321,800 | 38.5% | 19.9% |
| Colonial Pine Hills CDP | 2,347 | $82,262 | $348,400 | 28.9% | 2.3% |
| Elk Point city | 2,391 | $83,250 | $228,400 | 32.8% | 7.2% |
| Parkston city | 1,981 | $71,313 | $145,500 | 24.8% | 8.5% |
Population Overview
Custer city is a small community located in South Dakota, within Custer County. The total population is 2,148. It ranks as the 44th most populous out of 439 cities and towns in South Dakota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Custer city is 54.9 years. This is 46% higher than the state median of 37.7 years. Only 13.3% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 19.6% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Custer city is $80,188. This is 11% higher than the state median of $72,421. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 2% higher. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%. This is 19% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 3.2%. This is 6% higher than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $229,500. Housing costs are 3% lower than the state median of $236,800. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Custer city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 66.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 4% lower than the state average of 68.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
Custer city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 89.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 4.6%.
Education
30.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 3% lower than the state rate of 31.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Custer city, South Dakota is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against South Dakota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 439 Census-designated places in South Dakota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Custer city, South Dakota?
Custer city, South Dakota has a population of 2,148 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Custer city, SD?
The median household income in Custer city is $80,188, which is 2% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Custer city, SD?
The poverty rate in Custer city is 9.8%. This means approximately 200 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Custer city, South Dakota?
Custer city's population is 89.0% White, 0.0% Black, 1.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Custer city, SD?
The median home value in Custer city is $229,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Custer city, South Dakota?
30.1% of adults (25+) in Custer city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.