CountyScore

Custer County

South Dakota · SD

#26 in South Dakota
73.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Custer County, South Dakota

Custer County ranks in national top quartile

Custer County scores 73.1—a robust 46% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among America's most livable counties. Strong income levels and health outcomes drive this exceptional national standing.

South Dakota's strongest livability performer

With a score of 73.1, Custer County exceeds South Dakota's average of 71.3 and ranks among the state's elite communities. It stands as one of South Dakota's most desirable places to live overall.

Income and tax advantage lead the way

Custer County boasts the highest median household income ($81,958) and lowest effective tax rate (0.779%) among these eight counties, paired with strong health (76.1) and risk (83.7) scores. These fundamentals signal genuine economic vitality and opportunity.

Housing costs are notably higher

Custer County's cost score of 71.9 is the lowest among these eight counties, with median home value of $327,200 and rent at $1,117/month. This reflects the premium pricing typical of desirable mountain and tourism-adjacent communities.

Perfect for professionals seeking quality of life

Custer County suits established professionals, business owners, and families with solid incomes seeking top-tier health care, low taxes, and strong economic opportunity. The higher housing costs reflect a vibrant community with better earning potential and amenities worth the premium.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax80.4Cost71.9SafetyComing SoonHealth76.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome36.9Risk83.7WaterComing Soon
🏛80.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡83.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Custer County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Moffat County
Colorado
73.1
Median income: $70,975
Twiggs County
Georgia
73.1
Median income: $55,439
Benton County
Indiana
73.1
Median income: $61,811
Kiowa County
Kansas
73.1
Median income: $73,214
Owen County
Kentucky
73.1
Median income: $59,706

Deep Dives

Custer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Custer County

via TaxByCounty

Custer County offers exceptional tax value

Custer County's effective tax rate of 0.779% is among the lowest in America, though its median property tax of $2,549 reflects high home values in the Black Hills region. At 0.779%, Custer homeowners enjoy an effective rate roughly 71% below the national median rate, delivering exceptional tax efficiency.

Custer has South Dakota's lowest rate

Custer County's 0.779% effective rate is the absolute lowest in South Dakota, running 29% below the state average of 1.094%. Combined with premium property values averaging $327,200—the highest among these eight counties—Custer offers an elite combination of low rates and strong real estate values.

Lowest rate among all regional counties

Custer's 0.779% rate beats every neighboring county in this analysis, including Clark's 0.981% and Butte's 1.058%. This makes Custer the premier low-tax destination across the entire region, attracting affluent homeowners to the scenic Black Hills.

Custer taxes run $2,549 median

With a median home value of $327,200 and Custer's 0.779% effective rate, homeowners pay approximately $2,549 in annual property taxes. Despite the lowest rate in South Dakota, Custer's premium property values mean actual bills rival or exceed more tax-burdened counties with cheaper homes.

Even low-rate homes deserve appeals

Custer County homeowners should verify their assessments, as overvaluation can occur even in premium markets and appeal refunds may be substantial. Request reassessment from the county assessor if comparable sales suggest your property valuation is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Custer County

via CostByCounty

Custer's affluent market, premium prices

Custer County renters spend 16.4% of household income on rent—above the national standard of 12-14%—despite the county's median income of $81,958 exceeding the national median by over $7,000. Premium pricing for a relatively affluent county suggests Custer's desirability as a destination for higher-earning relocators and visitors.

Premium county, premium costs

Custer County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio runs well above South Dakota's 13.8% average, and its $1,117 monthly rent is the state's highest documented in this profile. The median income of $81,958 is also the region's highest, indicating Custer attracts higher earners but remains relatively expensive.

Most expensive county in the region

Custer's $1,117 rent dramatically exceeds all comparables—Codington and Butte are in the $900 range, while Campbell sits at $635. The median home value of $327,200 towers over all peers, reflecting Custer's position as a premium mountain resort and tourism-driven economy.

High income supports high costs

Renters pay $1,117 monthly while homeowners spend $1,062 on properties valued at $327,200, supported by $81,958 median income—the region's strongest earning base. Housing costs still consume 16% of renter income and 15% for owners, approaching problematic territory even with above-average earnings.

Custer County: premium living for premium earners

Custer County suits relocators with above-average incomes seeking outdoor amenities and tourism-driven lifestyle appeal—rent and home values reflect premium demand. Plan to dedicate 15-16% of income to housing and ensure your earnings substantially exceed the $81,958 county median to maintain financial comfort.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Custer County

via IncomeByCounty

Custer County exceeds national income median

Custer County's median household income of $81,958 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $7,203, placing it firmly in the upper tier nationally and among America's more prosperous counties. This 9.6% advantage reflects Custer's robust tourism, recreation, and professional services economy anchored by the Black Hills region. Per capita income of $50,278 further exceeds national benchmarks, indicating strong earning potential across the workforce.

Custer leads all South Dakota counties

Custer County's median household income of $81,958 significantly outpaces South Dakota's state average of $66,926 by $15,032, making it the highest-income county in the dataset. Its per capita income of $50,278 nearly 41% exceeds the state average of $35,667, reflecting concentrated wealth and professional employment. Custer's position reflects successful economic diversification beyond traditional agriculture into tourism, outdoor recreation, and services.

Custer dominates regional income rankings

Custer County's $81,958 median household income substantially leads all regional peers, outearning second-place Butte ($67,692) by $14,266. With per capita income of $50,278, Custer surpasses all neighbors, reflecting superior wage levels and employment quality across the Black Hills economy. This leadership position reflects Custer's status as a regional economic hub for tourism, recreation, and professional services.

Housing remains affordability challenge

Despite high incomes, Custer County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% edges above the affordability threshold, reflecting median home values of $327,200—the highest in the entire dataset. This means even affluent Custer households allocate significant income to housing, though financial capacity remains strong relative to lower-income peers. Renters and homebuyers should plan strategically given Custer's premium housing market relative to regional peers.

Invest aggressively for long-term growth

Custer County households earning $81,958 can comfortably direct 15–25% of gross income toward diversified investments, retirement accounts, and wealth-building strategies, leveraging strong income stability. High-income earners should maximize 401(k) contributions, backdoor Roth conversions, and taxable investment accounts while exploring tax-efficient strategies with a financial advisor. Consider reinvesting gains and real estate opportunities to compound wealth over decades and build intergenerational financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Custer County

via HealthByCounty

Custer County ranks among America's healthiest

At 81.5 years, Custer County's life expectancy is 4.7 years above the U.S. average of 76.8 years, placing it in the nation's healthiest tier. The county's 12.3% poor or fair health rate is below the national average, reflecting strong overall health perception.

Best life expectancy in South Dakota

Custer County leads South Dakota with 81.5 years of life expectancy—6.1 years above the state average of 75.4 years. Its 13.0% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average, though most residents remain well-covered.

Co-leader in health outcomes

Custer County ties Clark County at 81.0+ years for the highest life expectancy in this peer group, far ahead of Charles Mix (71.4) and Corson (58.7). At 13.0% uninsured, it trails Clark County's 9.4% but remains among the better-insured counties here.

Solid access and coverage foundation

Custer County offers 47 primary care providers and 55 mental health providers per 100K, plus 13.0% uninsured coverage—solid foundations for community health. The county's excellent life expectancy suggests these services are meeting resident needs effectively.

Protect your place in healthy community

Custer County's exceptional health outcomes reflect strong community engagement with healthcare. Keep your insurance current to maintain access to the providers and services that keep this county thriving.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Custer County

via RiskByCounty

Custer County: low overall risk, high wildfire exposure

Custer County scores 16.35 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and well below the national average. However, its wildfire risk of 94.24 is exceptional and deserves special attention.

South Dakota's wildfire hotspot

Custer County's wildfire risk of 94.24 is the highest in South Dakota, making it the state's most fire-prone county. Despite this elevated wildfire exposure, its composite score remains low due to minimal flood, tornado, and earthquake risks.

Wildfire risk far exceeds regional peers

Custer County's wildfire risk of 94.24 is substantially higher than neighboring Butte (86.90) and all other South Dakota counties. This exceptional exposure reflects the county's location in the Black Hills forest region.

Wildfire is Custer's defining hazard concern

Wildfire risk at 94.24 is Custer County's dominant and nearly exclusive natural hazard, while flood (19.31), tornado (22.07), and earthquake (25.10) risks remain manageable. The county's disaster profile centers entirely on fire exposure.

Wildfire insurance essential for Black Hills residents

Custer County homeowners must carry wildfire coverage through riders, separate policies, or specialized carriers, as standard homeowners policies exclude this hazard despite the 94.24 risk score. Maintain defensible space, clear gutters and roof debris, and have evacuation plans ready during fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.