RentData

Average Rent in Custer County, SD↑ Rents rising 5.9% YoY🔺 8th priciest in SD

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 8,686

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Custer County, SD has rental prices ranging from $865/month to $2,076/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $949/month — 32% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $81,958/year, spending $949/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Custer County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,242/month, Custer County ranks #8 most expensive of the 64 cities tracked in South Dakota — pricier than 78% of all US cities in our data.

The Custer County Rental Market

The Custer County, SD area has a population of about 8,686 and 14% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Custer County, SD have risen by $69/month (5.9%) over the past year, from $1,173 to $1,242. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Custer County, SD without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $37,960. The local median household income of $81,958 exceeds that threshold by $43,998, making Custer County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Custer County, SD has an unemployment rate of 1.8%, 2.1 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$865
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$949
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,242
↑5.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,720
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,076
Average
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Is Custer County, SD Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$49,680/year
Local median income: $81,958
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,242/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in SDlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Sioux Falls$941$1,044$1,228$1,694—
Rapid City$996$1,093$1,430$1,833—
Brown County$706$775$1,014$1,283—
Brookings County$853$858$1,066$1,476—
Meade County$945$1,037$1,357$1,879—
Codington County$871$943$1,233$1,504—

Rent or Buy in Custer County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Custer County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,242/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,242/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Custer County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Custer County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Custer County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in SD

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⚖️Compare Custer County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋SD Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections