About Custer County
Custer County is located in the southwestern Black Hills region of South Dakota, including approximately 1,558 square miles of rugged mountain terrain, pine forests, and prairie grasslands. Custer County Seat is Custer, South Dakota's oldest town, established in 1875 following the 1874 Black Hills Expedition led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. As of recent census estimates, Custer County has a population of approximately 8,300 residents.
- Custer County Courthouse, located at 420 Mount Rushmore Road in Custer, houses key offices including the Register of Deeds, Clerk of Courts, Register of Deeds, and Director of Equalization.
- The Register of Deeds office maintains land records, deeds, mortgages, and liens dating back to Custer County's founding.
Custer County is home to iconic landmarks including Custer State Park, one of the largest state parks in the United States, featuring the famous wildlife loop and Needles Highway; Crazy Horse Memorial, the world's largest mountain carving in progress; Wind Cave National Park, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world; and portions of Black Hills National Forest. Custer County's economy is heavily driven by tourism, outdoor recreation, and natural resource management. Custer Director of Equalization's office, also located in the courthouse, handles property tax assessments and maintains parcel data.
Custer County Auditor is the chief financial officer and elections administrator. Custer County's unique character stems from its blend of frontier history, Native American heritage, geological wonders, and modern conservation efforts, making it a significant destination for both locals and millions of annual visitors exploring the Black Hills.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Custer County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Custer County. This office manages Custer County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing efforts and provides various public safety programs. Notable divisions within the office include patrol, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling emergency response situations.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Custer County is provided by Custer County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, including the Custer City Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in rural areas, while the Custer City Police Department is responsible for policing within the city limits of Custer. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and public safety across Custer County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Custer County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 420 Mount Rushmore Road in Custer, SD 57730, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Custer County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website with general information at custercountysd.com. The Sheriff's Office operates Custer County Jail, a detention facility that houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to Custer County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, specifying the nature of the records sought.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public record in South Dakota and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office, though the agency may charge reasonable copying fees.
- Processing times for records requests vary but typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate information and jail rosters can typically be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though online inmate lookup capabilities may be limited compared to larger South Dakota counties. Booking information, including names, charges, and bond amounts, is generally available as a public record. Within Custer County, the City of Custer County maintains its own municipal police department serving the incorporated city limits, with offices located near City Hall at 415 Montgomery Street.
Arrest records and incident reports in Custer County are considered public records under South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) § 1-27, the state's public records law, which establishes that citizens have the right to access government records unless specifically exempted. Some records may be withheld if they pertain to ongoing investigations or are otherwise exempt under SDCL § 1-27-1.5. No tribal law enforcement agencies have primary jurisdiction within Custer County, as it is not within reservation boundaries, though state and county agencies coordinate with tribal authorities on regional matters.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Custer County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Custer County Sheriff's Office and Custer County Court maintain these records. Residents can request background checks through the South Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Bureau offers a full background check service that includes fingerprint-based searches for more accurate results.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Custer County are maintained by Custer County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Custer County, including the charges and personal information of the arrested individuals. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Information on a Custer County arrest record typically includes the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings. The South Dakota Sunshine Law governs public access to these records, for public access.
Jail & Inmate Records
Custer County Jail, located in the city of Custer, handles the booking and detention of individuals arrested within Custer County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling. The bond and bail process follows South Dakota state guidelines, allowing for release pending trial under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Custer County are taken and retained by Custer County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. Mugshots may also be available through third-party websites, although the accuracy and currency of these sources can vary. South Dakota does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances.
Courts & Case Records
Custer County Circuit Court, part of South Dakota's Unified Judicial System, is located at 420 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, juvenile, and probate matters arising in Custer County, including felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $12,000, domestic relations matters, and appeals from magistrate court. South Dakota operates under a unified court system with Circuit Courts serving as the trial courts of general jurisdiction.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Courts office for a fee of $7.00 per document plus $1.50 per page.
- Magistrate Court functions within the Circuit Court structure in South Dakota, handling preliminary hearings, small claims matters under $12,000, and minor criminal offenses.
- Fees for document copying are set by SDCL § 15-15A-7, and the Clerk of Courts can provide current fee schedules upon request.
The Clerk of Courts office, located in the same courthouse, maintains all court records and case files. Court records in South Dakota are governed by SDCL § 15-15A and § 16-2-21, which establish that court records are presumptively open to public inspection unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statutory exemptions such as juvenile records, certain mental health proceedings, or sealed adoption records. The South Dakota Unified Judicial System provides online case lookup through the Odyssey Public Access portal at ujslawhelp.sd.gov, though complete document access typically requires in-person visits or formal records requests.
Case searches can be conducted by party name or case number, though some sensitive information may be redacted to protect privacy interests. Probate matters, including wills, estate administration, and guardianships, are filed with the Circuit Court and maintained by the Clerk of Courts, with most probate records being matters of public record unless specifically sealed by the court.
Property & Public Records
Custer County Register of Deeds office, located at 420 Mount Rushmore Road in Custer, SD 57730, phone, maintains all land and property records for Custer County. The Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and preserving documents affecting real property, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and other instruments relating to real estate transactions. These records date back to Custer County's establishment in 1875 and provide a full chain of title for all properties in Custer County.
- The Register of Deeds charges recording fees based on the number of pages and type of document, typically ranging from $30 for the first page to additional per-page fees as established by state statute.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained for statutory fees.
- Researchers seeking full property information should contact the Register of Deeds or Assessor's office directly.
- The office can conduct title searches and provide ownership history for a fee.
South Dakota law requires that documents affecting real property be recorded in Custer County where the property is located, as specified in SDCL § 43-28. Custer Director of Equalization's office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax records, assessment values, ownership information, and legal descriptions for all taxable parcels. The Assessor's office conducts periodic reassessments to determine market values for property tax purposes.
Property tax information, including current and delinquent taxes, is available through the County Treasurer's office. While some South Dakota counties have implemented online GIS mapping systems and parcel viewers, Custer County's online property search capabilities may be limited, and many requests require in-person visits or phone inquiries. Property records are public records under South Dakota law and are available for inspection during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Vital Records
Vital records for Custer County, South Dakota, including birth and death certificates, are maintained by both Custer County Register of Deeds office and the South Dakota Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. For birth certificates of individuals born in Custer County, applications can be submitted to the County Register of Deeds at 420 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730, phone. The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, as established by SDCL § 34-25-37.
- Death certificates can be obtained through the same office for the same fee structure, with death records being confidential for 50 years.
- Processing time for vital records requests typically ranges from one to two weeks for mail-in requests, though in-person requests at Custer County office may be processed more quickly if the record is readily available.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the state's authorized vendor, VitalChek, though additional service fees apply.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the County Treasurer's office in Custer County, located in the courthouse, with a fee of $40 and no waiting period required.
- Divorce records and decrees are maintained by the Clerk of Courts office as part of court case files and can be accessed through that office.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record, as South Dakota restricts access to vital records to protect privacy. Birth records are confidential for 100 years under South Dakota law. The South Dakota Department of Health Vital Records office in Pierre is the central repository for all state vital records and can be reached at or through their website at doh.sd.gov/records/vital records.
Both parties must appear in person with valid identification. Marriage licenses are valid for 20 days from issuance. SDCL § 34-25 governs vital records access and confidentiality in South Dakota.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Custer County, South Dakota, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and licensing requirements. For businesses operating under a fictitious name or doing business as (DBA) name different from the owner's legal name, registration is required with Custer County Register of Deeds office at 420 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730, phone. The Register of Deeds maintains records of assumed business names filed in Custer County.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online Business Entity Database at sdsos.gov where users can search for registered business entities by name, registered agent, or filing number.
- This database provides information on entity status, registration date, principal address, and registered agent.
- Sales tax licenses and permits are issued by the South Dakota Department of Revenue and can be searched through their online system.
For formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and non-profit organizations, registration is required with the South Dakota Secretary of State's Office. South Dakota is known for its business-friendly environment with no corporate income tax or personal income tax. Professional and occupational licenses are regulated at the state level by various boards and commissions, with information available through the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.
Local business licenses for operations within the City of Custer area are administered by Custer area City Hall at 415 Montgomery Street. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits for unincorporated areas of Custer County are handled by Custer County Planning and Zoning office, which can be contacted through the courthouse. The Custer area Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 615 Washington Street in Custer area, phone, website Custer Countysd.com, provides business resources, networking opportunities, and information about doing business in Custer County.
The Chamber can assist with business startup information, local contacts, and economic development resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Custer County, South Dakota, is managed by Custer County Auditor's office, which serves as Custer County's chief election official. The Auditor's office is located at 420 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, SD 57730, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Current election information, including sample ballots, polling locations, and election results, can be found through Custer County's website at custercountysd.com or through the South Dakota Secretary of State's election portal at sdsos.gov/elections.
- South Dakota requires voters to register at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Absentee voting in Custer County is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse.
- Applications are available online through the Secretary of State's website or directly from the County Auditor.
Voter registration in South Dakota is available online through the Secretary of State's website at sdsos.gov/elections-voting/voting/register-to-vote.aspx, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at the County Auditor's office. Eligible voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by the date of the election, and residents of South Dakota.
To find your polling place in Custer County, voters can contact the County Auditor's office or use the polling place lookup tool on the Secretary of State's website by entering their residential address. Custer County operates multiple precincts throughout Custer County, with polling locations typically in community centers, fire halls, and municipal buildings. Public election records in South Dakota include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted), election results by precinct, candidate filings, campaign finance reports for county candidates, and absentee ballot statistics, all available under SDCL § 1-27 and § 12, South Dakota's election code.
In the November 2024 general election, Custer County demonstrated strong voter participation with turnout typically ranging between 70% and 75% of registered voters, consistent with South Dakota's historically high voter engagement. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for the U.S. House of Representatives, with South Dakota's at-large congressional seat on the ballot, as well as state legislative races, county offices, and various ballot measures.
Absentee ballot applications can be submitted to the County Auditor's office beginning 46 days before an election, with completed ballots due by 7:00 PM on Election Day. South Dakota also offers no-excuse in-person absentee voting at the County Auditor's office beginning 46 days before the election. Election transparency in Custer County is supported by South Dakota's open records laws, which allow citizens to request and inspect voter registration data, precinct-level results, absentee ballot reports, and other election administration records, making sure of public confidence in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Custer County's economy is predominantly driven by tourism, outdoor recreation, hospitality, and natural resource industries, using its position in the heart of the Black Hills. Tourism generates the largest economic impact, with millions of visitors annually drawn to Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Wind Cave National Park, and other attractions. Major employers include Custer State Park Resort Company, which operates lodges, restaurants, and retail operations within the state park; the National Park Service at Wind Cave and Jewel Cave National Monument; the U.S.
- The median household income in Custer County is approximately $53,000 to $58,000, somewhat below the national average but reflecting the rural character and seasonal nature of much employment.
- Retail trade, particularly tourism-oriented shops and outfitters, provides substantial employment.
- Custer County benefits from proximity to Rapid City, South Dakota's second-largest city located about 30 miles northeast, which provides additional employment, healthcare, and retail options.
Forest Service managing Black Hills National Forest lands; and the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, which continues work on the massive mountain carving while operating a museum and cultural center. Hospitality and accommodation services represent a major employment sector, with numerous hotels, motels, lodges, campgrounds, and vacation rentals operating seasonally. Timber and forest products have historically been important, though reduced in recent decades.
Small-scale ranching and agriculture continue in prairie areas outside the forested Black Hills core. Healthcare services in Custer County itself are limited, with Custer Regional Hospital and various clinics serving local needs. Unemployment rates in Custer County typically fluctuate seasonally, with lower rates during the peak summer tourism season (May through September) and higher rates during winter months.
Economic development efforts focus on diversifying the economy, improving year-round tourism opportunities, supporting small business development, and enhancing telecommunications infrastructure to support remote work opportunities. The Black Hills overall have seen growing interest in outdoor recreation businesses, craft beverages, and value-added tourism experiences, trends reflected in Custer County's economic development priorities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Portal | Property: Limited: Online (Contact Required) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 6.5/10, Custer County provides good access to court and election records through state portals, but property and jail records require direct contact with county offices, reflecting the challenges of a small rural county.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Custer County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Custer County, South Dakota.