Custer County, South Dakota

Income Data

+22% vs. South Dakota average
$81,958
Median Household Income
$50,278
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$81,958
+22% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$50,278
+27% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
25.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Dakota
#5 / 66
by median household income

How Custer County Compares

Custer County$81,958
South Dakota Average$66,926
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$81,958
Median Household Income
$50,278
Per Capita Income
$327,200
Median Home Value
25.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

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

What is the median household income in Custer County, South Dakota?
The median household income in Custer County, South Dakota is $81,958, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Custer County?
The per capita income in Custer County is $50,278, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $81,958.
How does Custer County compare to the South Dakota average?
Custer County's median household income of $81,958 is higher than the South Dakota state average of $66,926. The per capita income is $50,278, compared to the state average of $35,667.
What is the per capita income in Custer County, South Dakota?
The per capita income in Custer County, South Dakota is $50,278, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Custer County income higher than the South Dakota average?
Custer County's median household income of $81,958 is higher than the South Dakota average of $66,926. This difference of $15,032 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Custer County rank for income in South Dakota?
Custer County ranks #5 out of 66 counties in South Dakota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $81,958 and per capita income of $50,278, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $81,958 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

+22%

vs. National Median

+10%

vs. Custer County MedianAbout equal
vs. South Dakota Average22% above
vs. National Median10% above

Income Adequacy

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.