Custer Public RecordsSouth Dakota

As of the 2020 Census, Custer city in Custer County, South Dakota, had a population of 1,919. The median age was 49.2 years. Gender distribution was 48.2% male and 51.8% female. Racially, the city was 87.2% White, 4.6% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 1.3% from other races, and 5.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals comprised 2.9% of the population.

Custer, South Dakota, primarily relies on personal vehicles for transportation, with over 85% of workers commuting by car and less than 1% using public transit. The average commute time is approximately 13 minutes, notably below the national average. Vehicle ownership is high, with most households possessing two or more vehicles. Public transportation options are limited, mainly consisting of regional shuttle services. Major transportation infrastructure includes U.S. Highway 16 and State Highway 385. Key employment hubs include tourism, healthcare, and local government, driven largely by proximity to Custer State Park and area attractions.

Custer City, Custer County, SD, primarily relies on Monument Health Custer Hospital, a 25-bed critical access facility, alongside the Custer Regional Senior Care and smaller clinics. The county’s population is about 8,300 with a median age over 50; nearly 20% are aged 65+. Common health issues include chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Around 10% of residents are uninsured, while the majority use Medicare or private insurance. Healthcare provider access is limited, with a physician-to-population ratio of approximately 1:2,500, and residents often travel to Rapid City for specialty care.

Custer, SD, offers a mix of homeownership (about 68%) and rentals (32%), with median home values around $300,000 and median rents near $1,000/month. Housing types range from single-family homes and historic residences to newer subdivisions and mobile homes. Neighborhoods include downtown Custer, Rocky Knolls, and Pageant Hill, each with distinct charm. The area has seen steady property value appreciation of 5-7% annually since 2020. Property taxes in Custer County average 1.1% of a home's assessed value, making it more affordable than other parts of South Dakota.

Custer City, SD, served by the Custer School District, has one main public high school, Custer High School, with enrollment of about 250 students and a graduation rate around 86%. The city itself has a bachelor’s degree attainment rate of approximately 20%. The school district reports generally favorable safety records and offers core academic, career-technical, and some adult education programs. Custer High’s average ACT score is near 21, aligning with state averages. The district includes two schools (elementary and high/middle) and provides specialized support for students with diverse educational needs.