Median Income
$70,000
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$121,700
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.2%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$431
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Custer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population155
Median Age59.5 yrs
Density484/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans15.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,000
Per Capita$39,444
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$108M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,700
Rent$431
Ownership81.3%
Zillow$379,675
Housing Units84
Rent Burden13.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property385/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking16.9%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain14.9 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation2,742 ft (836 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.2%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 13%
Commute34 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations1
Is Custer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Custer receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Custer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Custer is $70,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Custer is $121,700, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $431 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Custer is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 385 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
23.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Custer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.9 inches, including 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Custer has a population of 155 with a density of 484 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 59.5 years, 53% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 15.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.5yrs
Median Age
53% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Custer is $70,000, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,444. The average weekly wage is $823, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 34 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,000 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,444 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $823 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,655 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 34 |
| County GDP | $108M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Custer is $121,700, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $379,675, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $431 (63% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,226 for a one-bedroom to $1,608 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 84 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. 13.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $121,700 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $379,675 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $431 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,109 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,226 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,608 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,154 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,322 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.7% |
| Housing Units | 84 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
In Custer, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.7% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The food environment index is 4.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Custer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 71.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.5/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Custer has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 385 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Custer receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Custer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 385.1/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 70 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Custer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 273 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 14.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. 91% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,742 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,742 ft (836 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 484/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.1292°N, 107.5555°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Treasure County County |
| Nearest Airport | Billings Logan International (BIL)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.9"
61% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.60"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 90.9% |
| Unhealthy Days | 2 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 0.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 4.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M3.2 on Jul 21, 2023.
| Aug 22, 2009 |
20 km SSE of Birney, Montana |
M4.0 |
140 km |
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
31 km |
| Dec 23, 1991 |
10 km SW of Colstrip, Montana |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Jul 21, 2023 |
Eastern Montana |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| May 21, 2013 |
32 km NE of Melstone, Montana |
M2.8 |
71 km |
| Mar 30, 2018 |
20 km NNE of Sheridan, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Jan 15, 2023 |
6 km NE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| May 19, 2017 |
6 km ESE of Birney, Montana |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jan 6, 2016 |
27 km ENE of Lovell, Wyoming |
M2.6 |
136 km |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
14 km WSW of Birney, Montana |
M2.6 |
116 km |
| Apr 22, 2018 |
8 km ENE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.6 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
43 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1965 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1986 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1958 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2018 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2016 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1991 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1991 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1984 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1955 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2013 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2011 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2004 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2003 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RICHARD SPRING (168,765 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
RICHARD SPRING |
168,765 |
92 km |
| 1984 |
HAWK CREEK |
157,778 |
57 km |
| 2012 |
CHALKY |
132,680 |
72 km |
| 2008 |
DUNN MTN. ASSIST |
105,494 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
PINE RIDGE COMPLEX |
103,074 |
15 km |
| 2006 |
BUNDY RAILROAD |
91,575 |
30 km |
| 2012 |
SARPY HILLS COMPLEX |
83,942 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
P F |
66,375 |
36 km |
| 1994 |
BABY DEAN |
61,955 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
SARPY |
51,619 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
DELPHIA |
40,396 |
55 km |
| 2020 |
BOBCAT |
31,020 |
66 km |
| 1999 |
FISHEL CREEK |
28,611 |
59 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLEHAWK |
27,926 |
72 km |
| 2021 |
MUSSELSHELL TRAIL RD |
22,723 |
19 km |
| 1988 |
EARLYBIRD |
21,730 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
DAHL |
21,448 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
BLACK SPRINGS COMPLEX |
19,473 |
78 km |
| 2022 |
BUSMAN ROAD |
12,584 |
23 km |
| 1996 |
ROLLOVER |
10,743 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Custer has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 24°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Custer. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$237 ($142–$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189–$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95–$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757–$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142–$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378–$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95–$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57–$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142–$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784–$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378–$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203–$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473–$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730–$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892–$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757–$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189–$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946–$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71–$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84–$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37–$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37–$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84–$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78–$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76–$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135–$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28–$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568–$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473–$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189–$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378–$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730–$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95–$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,101 |
| Toddler | $1,136 |
| Preschool | $982 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $864 |
| Toddler | $878 |
| Preschool | $878 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Custer
What is the population of Custer?
Custer has a population of 155 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 484 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Custer expensive to live in?
Custer is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,000, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,700 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $431 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Custer safe?
Custer is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 385 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Custer receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Custer?
Custer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.9 inches, with 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Custer?
The job market in Custer is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $823. There are 34 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Custer?
The median home value in Custer is $121,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $379,675. For renters, the median monthly rent is $431. Fair market rent is $1,226 for a 1-bedroom and $1,608 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.3%.
How are the schools in Custer?
Schools in Custer score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.2% of adults in Custer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Custer?
The obesity rate in Custer is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Custer?
The average commute in Custer is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Custer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Custer is 96.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 15.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
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