Cities and Towns in Custer County, South Dakota

Founded in 1875, Custer County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Custer County was formed from Indian lands. The city of Custer is the county seat. With FIPS code of 33, Custer County has a population of 8,609 and area of 1,558 square miles (4,035 km²).

List of all cities in Custer County, SD alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bakerville, SD	57730	605
Bluebell, SD	57730	605
Buffalo Gap, SD	57722	605
Crazy Horse, SD	57730	605
Custer, SD	57730	605
Fairburn, SD	57738	605
Fleming, SD	57738	605
Folsom, SD	57744	605
Game Lodge, SD	57730	605
Harney Peak, SD	57730	605
Hayward, SD	57744	605
Hermosa, SD	57744	605
Pringle, SD	57773	605
Red Shirt, SD	57744	605
Sanator, SD	57730	605
Sylvan Lake, SD	57730	605

Major Cities and Towns in Custer County, South Dakota

Custer

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Approximately 2.6 square miles
• Population: Around 2,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Code: 57730
• Latitude: 43.7675° N
• Longitude: 103.5988° W

Location and History

Custer, the county seat of Custer County, is located in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is one of the oldest towns in the Black Hills, established in 1875 following an expedition led by General George Armstrong Custer, after whom the town is named. The discovery of gold in French Creek brought miners and settlers to the area, marking the beginning of the Black Hills Gold Rush. Over time, Custer evolved from a mining hub into a picturesque town celebrated for its proximity to iconic landmarks and natural beauty.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Custer School District provides education from elementary through high school, with a focus on academic and extracurricular excellence. Landmarks in and around Custer include Custer State Park, renowned for its stunning landscapes and wildlife, and the Crazy Horse Memorial, a monumental tribute to the Lakota leader. The town’s historic downtown area offers shops, art galleries, and restaurants, making it a vibrant cultural and tourist destination.

Hermosa

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Approximately 0.6 square miles
• Population: Around 450 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Code: 57744
• Latitude: 43.8383° N
• Longitude: 103.1917° W

Location and History

Hermosa is a charming town located in the eastern part of Custer County, serving as a gateway to the Black Hills. Founded in the late 19th century, the town grew as a ranching and farming community. Its location along Highway 79 makes it an ideal stop for travelers heading into the Black Hills. Hermosa’s name, Spanish for “beautiful,” reflects the stunning vistas and rolling hills surrounding the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hermosa is served by the Custer School District, with Hermosa School providing education for younger students before they transition to schools in Custer. Major landmarks include the nearby Wind Cave National Park, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world, and the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, which offers a unique glimpse into the preservation of mustangs. The town also features community parks and access to hiking and biking trails.

Fairburn

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: Approximately 0.2 square miles
• Population: Around 90 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Code: 57738
• Latitude: 43.7017° N
• Longitude: 103.2078° W

Location and History

Fairburn, located in the southeastern part of Custer County, is a small town with a rich geological history. Founded in the late 19th century, the town served as a supply station for nearby ranches and farms. It is known for the Fairburn Agate, South Dakota’s state gemstone, which attracts rockhounds and collectors from across the country. Fairburn’s proximity to the Black Hills and the prairie offers a unique blend of landscapes.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Students from Fairburn typically attend schools in Hermosa or Custer. Key landmarks include the agate fields surrounding the town, where enthusiasts search for colorful gemstones, and the Fairburn Community Hall, which hosts local events and gatherings. The nearby Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the serene prairie environment. Fairburn remains a quiet retreat for those seeking natural beauty and a slower pace of life.