Custer County, South Dakota
Income Data
At a Glance
How Custer County Compares
Detailed Income Statistics
Data Story
About Household Income in Custer County, South Dakota
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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County median: $81,958 per year
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Compare RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.