Custer County, South Dakota

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,038 km² (1,559 mi²). 4,034 km² (1,558 mi²) of it is land and 4 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.09% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 7,275 people, 2,970 households, and 2,067 families residing in the county. The population density is 2/km² (5/mi²). There are 3,624 housing units at an average density of 1/km² (2/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 94.17% White, 0.27% African American, 3.12% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 1.88% from two or more races. 1.51% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,970 households out of which 26.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.20% are married couples living together, 6.60% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.40% are non-families. 25.90% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.35 and the average family size is 2.80.

In the county, the population is spread out with 24.10% under the age of 18, 6.30% from 18 to 24, 22.40% from 25 to 44, 31.10% from 45 to 64, and 16.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 43 years. For every 100 females there are 104.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 99.40 males.

Cities and Towns

• Buffalo Gap
• Custer
• Fairburn
• Hermosa
• Pringle