countyscore
50.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.8Disaster Risk 83.7Health 73.4

County Report Card

About Custer County, South Dakota

Matching the National Median

Custer County sits right at the heart of the U.S. data with a composite score of 50.7. It offers a balanced American lifestyle that mirrors the national median of 50.0.

Competitive with the State

With a score of 50.7, the county is slightly below the state average of 55.9 but remains a strong contender. It trades some affordability for higher incomes and lower taxes.

High Incomes and Low Taxes

The county boasts a powerful income score of 85.8 and a median household income of $81,958. Residents also enjoy a favorable tax environment with an effective rate of just 0.779%.

High Costs and Water Scarcity

Housing is expensive for the region, with a cost score of 23.1 and median home values at $327,200. Water infrastructure is a significant weak point, earning a low score of 17.0.

A High-Earning Professional's Retreat

Custer County is ideal for high-income families or professionals who can afford premium real estate and lower tax rates. It is a scenic, wealthy enclave for those who don't mind paying more for their piece of South Dakota.

Score breakdown

Tax55.1Cost23.1Safety43.7Health73.4Schools57.1Income85.8Risk83.7Water17Weather44.5
🏛55.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Custer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Custer County

via CrimeByCounty

Custer County Offers High National Safety

Custer County earns a safety score of 98.0, indicating a secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 1,268.4 per 100,000 is about half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Trailing Slightly Behind State Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,268.4 is higher than the South Dakota average of 788.1. Its safety score of 98.0 also sits just below the statewide average of 98.8.

A Unique Profile in the Black Hills

With only one reporting agency, Custer's data captures a specific snapshot of local law enforcement activity. The county faces higher crime rates than some neighboring rural areas, likely due to its high volume of tourism.

Property Crime as the Main Issue

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,139.2 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 129.2. Violent crime in Custer County is actually slightly lower than the South Dakota state average.

Keeping Your Custer County Home Secure

Since most local crime involves property, residents should use cameras and secure locks to deter theft. In a high-tourism area, it is especially important to keep valuables out of sight in vehicles and homes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Custer County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Excellence in the Black Hills

Custer County provides education for 922 students across six public schools and two districts. The system includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools to serve its growing community.

Elite Graduation Rates and Solid Scores

The county achieves an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, far exceeding the state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. With a school score of 55.3 and per-pupil spending of $7,324, the county shows strong returns on its educational investment.

Custer School District Dominance

Custer School District 16-1 manages four schools and 911 students, representing nearly the entire student population of the county. Charter schools are not present, as the county relies on its highly-rated traditional public districts.

From Mountain Towns to Tiny Rural Outposts

The county is entirely rural, yet school sizes vary wildly from Custer Elementary's 304 students to Elk Mountain Elementary, which serves just 9 students. This range provides a unique spectrum of educational experiences within a single county.

Find Your Home Near Custer Schools

Custer County's high graduation rates make it a premier destination for families prioritizing academic success. View local real estate to find a home within this high-performing school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Custer County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Mountain and Plains Blend

Custer County maintains an average temperature of 45.2°F, which is cool by national standards. The area is relatively dry, receiving 19.5 inches of annual precipitation.

Typical South Dakota Average Temperature

Custer's 45.2°F annual average is almost identical to the South Dakota state average of 45.6°F. However, its 19.5 inches of precipitation is lower than the state's 22.7-inch average.

Milder Winters Than Northern Neighbors

Custer shares a similar annual temperature with Butte County, but enjoys much warmer Januarys at 25.5°F. It is also significantly snowier, receiving 43 inches compared to Butte's 41.7 inches.

Heavy Snow and Mild Summers

Summer in Custer is pleasant with only 14 days of extreme heat and a July average of 69.2°F. Winter is the dominant season, bringing the highest snowfall on this list at 43 inches.

Equip for Serious Snow Management

The 43 inches of annual snow requires high-quality winter gear and reliable four-wheel drive. Because summer temperatures are mild, residents can often rely on natural ventilation instead of heavy air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Custer County

via SoilByCounty

The rugged soils of the Black Hills

Custer County's complex topography means soil data is limited and varies wildly by elevation. While a specific average pH is not available, the surrounding mountain soils often vary from acidic forest floors to alkaline valley floors.

Variable textures across the peaks

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not mapped in this dataset due to the rocky terrain. The soil texture here ranges from thin, rocky layers on ridges to deeper sediments in the mountain meadows.

Organic life in the forest

While available water capacity and organic matter averages are N/A, the region's forests suggest pockets of rich organic litter. Gardening here often requires raised beds to overcome the shallow, rocky soil typical of the area.

Fast runoff and mountain drainage

Hydrologic data is limited, but the steep slopes of Custer County generally lead to rapid water runoff. Proper site selection is key to finding areas where water and soil actually collect.

Gardening in zone 5a

Despite the rugged land, Custer sits in Zone 5a. You can grow beautiful mountain gardens featuring native wildflowers and cold-tolerant herbs, provided you have enough soil depth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Custer County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Difficult High-Altitude Lawns

Custer County is the most challenging in this group, with a lawn difficulty score of just 36.6. Homeowners in this Zone 5a region must work significantly harder than the rest of the state to maintain a traditional lawn.

Short Seasons and High Evaporation

Though heat days are low at 14 per year, the 19.5 inches of annual rain is insufficient for most thirsty grass types. The 2,041 growing degree days reflect a shorter, cooler growth window that requires specialized plant choices.

Investigating Local Soil Secrets

Specific county-wide soil data is limited for Custer, making a home soil test kit an essential first step for any gardener. Knowing your specific yard's pH and drainage is the only way to overcome the county's low difficulty score.

Severe Drought Challenges in the Hills

Custer faces serious water stress, with 100% of the county abnormally dry and 28.6% in severe drought. After 35 weeks of drought in the last year, prioritizing drought-tolerant native grasses or xeriscaping is a smart long-term strategy.

A Brief Window for Custer Lawns

With the last frost occurring late on May 18 and the first fall frost on September 28, the growing window is tight. Focus on hardy, drought-resistant varieties and get them in the ground as soon as the spring soil warms to maximize growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Custer County's county score?
Custer County, South Dakota has a composite county score of 50.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Custer County rank among counties in South Dakota?
Custer County ranks #44 among all counties in South Dakota on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Custer County, South Dakota?
The median annual property tax in Custer County is $2,549, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Custer County a tax score of 55.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Custer County?
The median household income in Custer County, South Dakota is $81,958 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Custer County earns an income score of 85.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Custer County, South Dakota a good place to live?
Custer County scores 50.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in South Dakota. The best way to evaluate Custer County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Custer County with other counties side by side.

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