| Statistic | Custer | South Dakota | National |
| Population | 2,314 | 884,659 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 914 | 12 | 91 |
| Median age | 56.9 | 36.8 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 64% | 59% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 29% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 97% | 94% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 2% | 2% | 13% |
Custer demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Custer population is 2,314 and has a population density of 914 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 56.9, 64% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 29% have kids under the age of 18. In Custer, 25% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 13% of households report a median income above $150,000.
Recognizing the racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown of Custer is pivotal for addressing systemic inequities, championing social justice and inclusion and fostering resilient communities. In Custer, the racial breakdown comprises 90.2% White, 1% Black or African American, 0% Asian, 7.3% American Indian, and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 4.1% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of households reported speaking English only, while 2.1% reported speaking Spanish only. Furthermore, 3.3% of residents were categorized as foreign-born.
Custer, characterized by above-average population density, plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Its compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, active transportation modes like walking and cycling and the utilization of public transit, fostering sustainable lifestyles and mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the area's dense population contributes to a vibrant social and cultural scene, featuring a diverse array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity fuels creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange, enhancing the community's social fabric. The Custer population density stands at 914, exceeding the national average, at 91 people per square mile, positioning it in a nice position to reap the benefits of densely populated areas.
Custer, characterized by a reduced population of children, offers several advantages suited to a demographic where families with fewer or no children seek an ideal living environment. These benefits may include a serene atmosphere, an increased emphasis on amenities tailored for adults, decreased traffic congestion and improved affordability. Importantly, one of the key advantages could be the broader availability of housing options designed to cater to adult residents or smaller households. This may encompass various housing types like condominiums, apartments, or single-family homes tailored for couples or individuals without children, providing a diverse range of choices for prospective buyers or renters. Areas with fewer children may also indicate suitability for retirees or seniors. In Custer, only 29% of the population have children under 18 years old, significantly lower than the national average. Moreover, 64% of residents aged over 15 are married. These demographic trends could suggest a favorable landscape for leveraging the advantages of a city with fewer children.
Education Allocation: Custer demographics can play a pivotal role in guiding education planning, offering insights into student demographics, school enrollment patterns, and educational requirements. This data aids schools and policymakers in resource allocation and the development of effective educational programs. It serves as a critical tool for identifying disparities in educational access and outcomes among diverse demographic groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, and students with disabilities. Through the disaggregation of data by demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to enhance access, support, and outcomes for marginalized students. Ultimately, Custer demographic data is indispensable in education for advancing equity, fostering student achievement, and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to the needs of all students.
Healthcare Planning: The examination of Custer demographics can potentially inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. By comprehending demographic trends, healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs, and address health inequities within communities. Through the utilization of demographic statistics, healthcare providers and policymakers aim to achieve equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of populations.
Social Cohesion: Reporting and analyzing demographics can play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and understanding among diverse communities. By recognizing and appreciating differences in Custer demographics, societies can promote inclusivity, diversity and social harmony, while addressing social disparities and promoting equal opportunities for all individuals. Racial demographics reflect the diversity of a population and contribute to fostering inclusive and welcoming communities. Embracing diversity strengthens social cohesion, promotes cultural understanding and enriches the fabric of society by celebrating the contributions of individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
| Race | Custer | South Dakota | National |
| White | 90.19% | 84.77% | 73.35% |
| Black | 1.04% | 1.65% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.00% | 1.33% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 7.30% | 8.72% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 0.52% | 2.61% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.95% | 0.88% | 4.75% |
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