Custer County, South Dakota Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 22nd-largest in South Dakota
The population of Custer County, South Dakota is 8,686 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest county in South Dakota. The median household income is $81,958, the median home value is $327,200, and the median age is 57.2.
The population of Custer County has grown 12.7% since 2010 (8,275 → 9,330), a +0.86% annualized rate.
8,686
Population
+0.86%
Annual growth
6
People / sq mi
$81,958
Median Income
$327,200
Median Home Value
Custer County covers 1,557 sq mi of land at 5.6 people per square mile.
About Custer County, SD
Custer County skews on age — the median resident is 57.2, older than the national median. With 8,686 residents, Custer County is a county in South Dakota. It ranks #22 among counties in South Dakota by population.
Median household income is $81,958, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 4.4% — below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $327,200, with typical rent around $1,117.
About 32.1% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is on the higher side at 11.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Custer County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Custer County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Custer County had a population of 8,275 in 2010 and 9,330 in 2024, a 12.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,330 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.89%.
9,330
Population (2024)
8,275
Population (2010)
9,330
Peak (2024)
0.89%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,275 |
| 2011 | 8,346 |
| 2012 | 8,316 |
| 2013 | 8,408 |
| 2014 | 8,435 |
| 2015 | 8,456 |
| 2016 | 8,614 |
| 2017 | 8,747 |
| 2018 | 8,821 |
| 2019 | 8,929 |
| 2020 | 8,342 |
| 2021 | 8,648 |
| 2022 | 9,024 |
| 2023 | 9,117 |
| 2024 | 9,330 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.9% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 5.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
57.2
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
32.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 11.1% · Seniors (65+): 32.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $81,958+$9,537 vs state |
| Mean household income | $109,295 |
| Per-capita income | $50,278 |
| Poverty rate | 4.4%-3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Custer County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
77.6%
Public transit
11.8%
Work from home
29.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$327,200+$90,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,117
Median rent
85.6%
Homeownership rate
5,126
Total housing units
78.7%
Occupied
21.3%
Vacant
14.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.9%
With health insurance
94.3%
With broadband internet
52.2%
Foreign-born
15.0%
Veterans (18+)
19.6%
With a disability
95.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
95.0%
High School+
32.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Dakota
Other counties in South Dakota
Part of South Dakota
Metro areas in South Dakota
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Custer County, South Dakota has a population of 8,686 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest county in South Dakota. Population density is 6 people per square mile.
The population of Custer County has grown 12.7% since 2010 (8,275 → 9,330), a +0.86% annualized rate.
The median household income in Custer County, South Dakota is $81,958, with mean (average) household income of $109,295 and per-capita income of $50,278. 4.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Custer County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.9%), Hispanic or Latino (5.4%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Custer County, South Dakota is 57.2 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Custer County is $327,200 and median monthly rent is $1,117. 85.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,126 total housing units, 21.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Custer County, South Dakota is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.1%.
Sioux Falls is among the largest cities associated with Custer County, South Dakota, with a population of 197,642.
Custer County, SD Climate
Custer County, SD has an average annual temperature of 7°C (45°F) and receives about 482 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7°C
Avg Temp
482
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 25° | 10 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 14 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 24 mm |
| April | 5° / 41° | 54 mm |
| May | 11° / 51° | 85 mm |
| June | 16° / 61° | 83 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 72 mm |
| August | 19° / 67° | 48 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 37 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 28 mm |
| November | 1° / 33° | 14 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 13 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Custer County, SD
The most comfortable months to visit Custer County, SD are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Custer County
Visiting or relocating to Custer County, SD? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Custer County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Custer County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Custer County, SD by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from South Dakota
Population 200,689
Population 112,081
Population 68,286
Population 38,079
Full rankings of South Dakota counties
Statewide data for South Dakota
Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Dakota
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.