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 is a county in South Dakota with a population of 8,686. It ranks #22 among counties in South Dakota by population. The median age is 57.2, older than the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in Custer County is $81,958, above the US median of $74,580. 4.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $327,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,117. The homeownership rate of 85.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Custer County reflects 32.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.8% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.1 minutes each way.
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.
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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.