Custer County ranked 36th among 59 South Dakota counties scored on the basis of health outcome in 2012, which is up from 2011 primarily because the number of premature deaths per  100,000 dropped below the state and national averages.  The county ranked 22nd when health factors were reviewed. Data does not indicate health behaviors deviate significantly from state averages, though the percentage of the adults who smoke or drink excessively exceeds national averages, and the incidence of sexually transmitted infections is also high when compared to national statistics. Clinical care indicators note that more than one-fifth of the population is uninsured. Approximately one in five children live in poverty and one in four live in single-parent homes. This information was compiled by the Population Health Institute at the University of Wisconsin in conjunction with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. To compare Custer County to other counties, go to: County Health Rankings: Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health.

The Custer County Office of Community Health Services and Public Health Alliance provides public health services to all ages. The office manages various primary and preventive programs that help residents develop and maintain a healthier lifestyle and higher quality of life. Professional nursing and nutrition staff provide advice to individuals, families and communities. The office also provides a wide range of services to infants, children, pregnant and postpartum women and adults.

County-level health statistics are also available from the U.S. Deparment of Health & Human Services. Compare Custer County to similar counties in the United States and to the national median.

Fitness & Recreation

Fitness opportunities abound in Custer County. The Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park provide a backyard playground for Custer residents and visitors. The 109-mile Mickelson Trail, billed as the "best rails to trails in the west," is a favorite of bike enthusiasts . For information about the annual 3-day Trail Trek based out of Custer, click here. When the weather is not cooperative, there are several options for indoor fitness activities at the YMCA, Curves, and the Custer Ftiness Center.