Custer County Public RecordsSouth Dakota

Custer County, SD, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2023, the county reported approximately 15 violent crimes and 60 property crimes, equating to a property crime rate of about 7.5 per 1,000 residents. The Custer County Sheriff's Office actively encourages community involvement, ensuring incidents are promptly reported and addressed. Enhanced public safety initiatives and neighborhood watch programs contribute to a strong sense of security. Overall, Custer County is regarded as a safe area, with crime rates below the South Dakota and U.S. averages.

Custer County, SD, has 6 public schools, including Custer High School, serving around 1,000 students K–12. The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, while 26% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Students’ proficiency scores reach 54% in math and 63% in reading. School safety is rated above the state average, with few reported incidents. The district offers dual-credit and CTE programs, plus adult education through local partnerships. Overall, Custer County schools maintain solid academic performance and diverse programs for student and adult learners.

Custer County, SD, has an employment rate of about 60.4% (2022, ACS 5-year). Major industries include health care & social assistance (15%), retail trade (14%), educational services (10%), and accommodation & food services (11%). The leading occupation categories are management, business, science, and arts (31%), followed by sales and office (21%). The average commute time is 21.2 minutes, with roughly 76% of workers driving alone, and most residents commute within the county, though some travel to nearby Pennington County, including Rapid City, for work.

Custer County, SD, features a homeownership rate of about 81%, above the national average, with median home values near $325,000 in 2023—a rise of over 40% since 2019. Rental vacancy rates are low, with median rents around $1,100 monthly. Housing types range from historic downtown Custer homes to rural single-family dwellings and cabins. Neighborhoods like Stockade Lake and Pringle appeal to both families and retirees. Property taxes are moderate, averaging 1.2% of assessed value. The market remains competitive due to proximity to Black Hills attractions, fostering strong demand for both homes and rentals.

As of the 2020 Census, Custer County, SD had a population of 8,318. The median age was 52.2 years, with 24.1% aged 65 or older. The gender distribution was nearly equal, with 50.5% male and 49.5% female. The county's population was predominantly White (92.0%), with Native Americans comprising 3.6%, and 2.5% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents accounted for 2.4% of the population.

Custer County, South Dakota, had 6,922 registered voters as of 2022, with Republicans comprising about 62%, Democrats 15%, and Independents 23%. The county holds federal, state, and local elections, with recent turnout rates near 64%. In the 2020 presidential election, 74% voted Republican. Key issues include land use and public safety. Elections are managed by the Custer County Auditor; main polling locations include the Custer County Courthouse and local fire halls. The major parties are Republican and Democratic, though third-party candidates occasionally appear on ballots.