Custer, South Dakota
Headquarters city for all 13 Black Hills Consortium entities. Population 2,100. Zero state income tax. A $145K salary here stretches like $220K+ in Denver. 71,000 acres of wilderness at your doorstep.
2,100
Population
$230K
Median Home
$80K
Household Income
200-235
Y5 Relocations
The Opportunity
Why Custer
More than a small town — the epicenter of a $52M ecosystem designed to transform the Black Hills economy.
BHC Headquarters City
All 13 Black Hills Consortium entities are headquartered here. 51 employees Year 1, growing to 175 by Year 5.
Gateway to Custer State Park
71,000 acres of wilderness, 1,500 bison, Sylvan Lake, Cathedral Spires, and the Needles Highway — all minutes from town.
15-Acre Grow Campus
Co-working, event space, housing, and community hub on a purpose-built campus in the heart of the Black Hills.
30 Minutes to Everything
Rapid City (airport, Costco, hospitals), Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Wind Cave National Park.
Zero State Income Tax
South Dakota has no state income tax. A $145K salary here keeps more in your pocket than $200K in Denver or NYC.
Remote Work Infrastructure
Fiber broadband, Grow Campus co-working, Seed Academy upskilling, and a community designed for remote professionals.
The Math
Your Dollar Goes Further
A $145K salary in Custer is equivalent to $210K+ in Denver. Zero state income tax. No traffic. No $3,500 rent.
| Category | Custer, SD | Denver, CO | Austin, TX | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR Rent | $800 | $1,850 | $1,600 | $3,500 |
| Median Home | $230K | $590K | $475K | $750K+ |
| Groceries | 15% below avg | At average | 3% above | 30% above |
| Gas (gal) | $2.80 | $3.20 | $2.90 | $3.70 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 4.4% | 0% | 10.9% |
Housing
Actually Affordable
Median home price around $230K — less than half of Denver. Cabins, ranches, new construction, and Pass Creek campus housing all within reach.
Housing Demand Projections
Based on relocator + BHC employee growth
Education & Careers
Built for Families & Professionals
Custer School District, Seed Academy tech training, and 11 BHC entities hiring at $145K+ minimum salary.
Education
- Custer School District (K-12)
- Seed Academy — AI, Vibe Coding, Remote Work training
- 25% tuition discount for relocator families
- School enrollment projections: 25-32 new students Y1
- SD school funding: $6,200/pupil
BHC Entities Hiring in Custer
All positions start at $145K+ (equiv. $220K+ in Denver)
Lifestyle
Your Backyard is 71,000 Acres
Custer State Park, Black Elk Peak, Sylvan Lake, and some of the darkest skies in North America — all within minutes.
Custer State Park
71,000 acres, 1,500 bison, Wildlife Loop Drive
Sylvan Lake
Iconic swimming, kayaking, and rock climbing
Cathedral Spires Trail
Granite needle formations, world-class hiking
Needles Highway
14-mile scenic drive through granite tunnels
Black Elk Peak
Highest point east of the Rockies (7,244 ft)
Fly Fishing
French Creek, Grace Coolidge Creek, trout
Mountain Biking
Mickelson Trail (109 mi), single-track networks
Cross-Country Skiing
Groomed trails through ponderosa pine forests
Wildlife Viewing
Bison, pronghorn, mountain goats, wild turkeys
Stargazing
Bortle Class 2 dark skies — galaxy-level views
Economic Impact
Transforming Custer's Economy
Adding 200-235 relocators to a town of 2,100 is an 11% population increase in 5 years. That is transformational.
| Year | New Relocations | Cumulative | Local Impact (1.6x) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y1 | 25-30 | 25-30 | $5.6M |
| Y2 | 30-35 | 55-65 | $10.1M |
| Y3 | 40-45 | 95-110 | $16.1M |
| Y5 | 55-65 | 200-235 | $31.4M |
| Y10 | 60-70 | 500-600 | $73.6M |
$19.65M
Combined Local Payroll (Y5)
Relocator + BHC jobs
$224K/yr
New Tax Revenue (Y5)
Property + sales tax
$73.6M
10-Year Cumulative Impact
1.6x economic multiplier
Ready to Make the Move?
Apply today to relocate to Custer. $10,000-$15,000 cash incentive, housing assistance, co-working access, and a community that wants you here. Site visit weekends available monthly.