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Custer, South Dakota Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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Custer, South Dakota is a small town located in the Black Hills of western South Dakota. It has a population of approximately 2,000 people and is the county seat of Custer County. The town was originally founded in 1876 as a mining camp and was named after General George Armstrong Custer who died at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876.

The town is located at an elevation of 5,000 feet and enjoys a mild climate year round with temperatures ranging from -15F to 85F. The town’s main industry is tourism as it attracts visitors from all over the world to visit attractions such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park.

Custer is also known for its unique downtown district which features many historic buildings including the original courthouse built in 1886 which now houses the Custer County Historical Museum. Other attractions include art galleries, restaurants, antique stores and specialty shops. The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year such as Buffalo Roundup Days and Custer State Park Arts & Crafts Festival which attract thousands of visitors annually.

Custer also offers plenty of outdoor activities for those looking to explore nature such as hiking trails, camping sites, fishing spots and scenic drives through the Black Hills area. There are also many recreational activities offered nearby such as golf courses and ski resorts.

Overall, Custer is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a small-town atmosphere while exploring some of South Dakota’s most beautiful natural landmarks. With its charming downtown district filled with historic buildings, plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy and countless attractions nearby, it’s no wonder why so many people visit this picturesque mountain town each year.

Population: 1,860. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,991 (+7.0% change)
Males: 894 (48.1%), Females: 966 (51.9%)

Custer County

Zip code: 57730

Demographics

Median resident age: 41.7 years
Median household income: $31,739
Median house value: $72,600

Population by Race

Races in Custer:

  • White Non-Hispanic (94.9%)
  • American Indian (2.7%)
  • Hispanic (1.5%)
  • Two or more races (1.5%)

Ancestries: German (38.0%), Irish (14.3%), English (11.4%), Norwegian (10.6%), French (4.0%), Scottish (3.5%).

Elevation: 5318 feet

Land area: 1.8 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Custer

  • High school or higher: 86.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 22.5%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 6.5%
  • Unemployed: 3.5%
  • Mean travel time to work: 13.2 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Custer city

  • Never married: 18.6%
  • Now married: 56.0%
  • Separated: 2.6%
  • Widowed: 12.1%
  • Divorced: 10.7%

0.8% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +66 (+3.7%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Custer:

  • CUSTER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL – CAH (1039 MONTGOMERY STREET)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Custer:

  • FALL RIVER HOSPITAL – CAH (about 27 miles; HOT SPRINGS, SD)
  • BLACK HILLS SURGERY CENTER LLP (about 35 miles; RAPID CITY, SD)
  • IHS PHS INDIAN HOSPITAL (about 35 miles; RAPID CITY, SD)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Custer:

  • RAPID CITY REGIONAL (about 43 miles; RAPID CITY, SD; Abbreviation: RAP)
  • ELLSWORTH AFB (about 43 miles; RAPID CITY, SD; Abbreviation: RCA)
  • ALLIANCE MUNI (about 131 miles; ALLIANCE, NE; Abbreviation: AIA)

Other public-use airports nearest to Custer:

  • CUSTER COUNTY (about 4 miles; CUSTER, SD; Abbreviation: CUT)
  • CUSTER STATE PARK (about 18 miles; FAIRBURN, SD; Abbreviation: 3V0)
  • HOT SPRINGS MUNI (about 32 miles; HOT SPRINGS, SD; Abbreviation: HSR)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Custer:

  • SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY (about 35 miles; RAPID CITY, SD; Full-time enrollment: 2,002)
  • BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 54 miles; SPEARFISH, SD; Full-time enrollment: 3,190)
  • CHADRON STATE COLLEGE (about 78 miles; CHADRON, NE; Full-time enrollment: 2,144)
  • CASPER COLLEGE (about 197 miles; CASPER, WY; Full-time enrollment: 2,564)
  • UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING (about 208 miles; LARAMIE, WY; Full-time enrollment: 9,665)
  • UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO (about 244 miles; GREELEY, CO; Full-time enrollment: 10,983)
  • AIMS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 247 miles; GREELEY, CO; Full-time enrollment: 3,722)

Schools

Public high schools in Custer:

  • CUSTER HI SCH (Students: 310; Location: 527 MONTGOMERY ST; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • STAR EVERGREEN HIGH SCH (Students: 162; Location: RR 1 BOX 98; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Custer:

  • CUSTER ELEM (Students: 343; Location: 371 CROOK ST; Grades: PK – 05)
  • CUSTER MIDDLE SCH (Students: 188; Location: 527 MONTGOMERY ST; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • STAR EVERGREEN JR HI (Students: 25; Location: RR 1 BOX 98; Grades: 06 – 08)

Libraries

Library in Custer:

  • CUSTER COUNTY LIBRARY (Operating income: $69,068; Location: 447 CROOK STREET SUITE 4; 16,663 books; 484 audio materials; 811 video materials; 52 serial subscriptions)

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