Cost of Living in Custer County, South Dakota
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Custer County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Custer County ranks #1,532 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Custer County, South Dakota
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Custer County
Affordability Verdict
Custer County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,117/month representing approximately 16.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 21.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Custer County is $1,117/month, while owner costs run $1,062/month. Owning saves approximately $55/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $44,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,514/year. With a median household income of $81,958, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Custer County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Custer County sits 5% more expensive than Pennington County ($1,066/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Custer County
Rent Burden
16.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,912
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.5%
of gross income
The median home in Custer County may be a stretch
Median home value is $327,200. Estimated monthly cost: $2,612 vs. your max of $1,912.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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