Custer, South Dakota Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Custer, South Dakota? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $33,493 per year — at a $276 nightly rate, 46.6% occupancy, and a $140 RevPAR that reflects moderate rate-to-revenue efficiency with room to optimize.
Custer's 287 active listings and moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 77.2% over the past year, yet revenue and nightly rates both trended upward — a signal that traveler demand is outpacing new inventory rather than being diluted by it. For hosts, pricing power remains intact even as competition increases.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. The data points to a market where fundamentals reward execution — the right property, priced well, in the right neighborhood still outperforms.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Custer?
In Custer, the headline Airbnb metrics are $33,493 in average annual revenue,46.6% occupancy, $276 ADR, and $140 in RevPAR, and guests book about 71 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Custer?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Custer is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Custer is typically July, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Custer across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $8,010+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $5,337 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $3,043 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,607, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Custer
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Custer?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Custer STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Julysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Custer:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 69%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 57% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 42%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 24% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Custer
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Custer?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Custer involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Custer typically peaks in July and dips lowest during April. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $501+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $345 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $233 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $154 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Custer
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Custer?
RevPAR in Custer is currently $140. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $67 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $115 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $190 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $259 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Custer
RevPAR Insights for Custer
- The average RevPAR in Custer is $140. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($259) and bottom 25% ($67) is $192, indicating significant performance disparity driven by property quality, pricing strategy, and location.
- RevPAR peaks in Jul and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Custer benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $115, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $190+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Custer?
Custer's peak Airbnb season falls in July, June, August, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (July, June, August)
- Revenue averages $6,735 per month
- Occupancy rates average 63.3%
- Daily rates average $310
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $3,528 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 40.2%
- Daily rates hold near $266
Low Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue drops to average $1,889 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 20.7%
- Daily rates adjust to average $258
Seasonality Insights for Custer
- Airbnb seasonality in Custer is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Custer's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $7,202, occupancy reaching 66.2%, and ADRs peaking at $312.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $1,742, occupancy could drop to 18.2%, and ADRs may adjust to $249.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Custer.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Custer, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Custer?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Custer, South Dakota, United States point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Custer to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Custer?
Location within Custer matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Custer State Park | A major tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities. Ideal for nature lovers and families looking for adventure in the Black Hills. | Wildlife Loop Road, Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, Custer State Park Visitor Center, Buffalo Roundup, Hiking and camping spots |
| Downtown Custer | The historic heart of Custer, offering charming shops, restaurants, and local art galleries. Great for visitors looking to explore local culture and shop for souvenirs. | Bruce's Bar, Custer County Courthouse, Custer County Historical Society, local shops and cafes, Custer Wolf, Custer’s Annual Buffalo Roundup Festival |
| Crazy Horse Memorial | A monumental sculpture and cultural center dedicated to Native American history. Attracts visitors interested in history and culture, great for educational tourism. | Crazy Horse Monument, Indian Museum of North America, scenic viewpoints, cultural events, Native American art and craft shops |
| Mount Rushmore National Memorial | One of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. A must-see for tourists in the region, perfect for maximizing bookings during peak seasons. | Mount Rushmore, Presidential Trail, Visitor Center, Evening Lighting Ceremony, Surrounding Black Hills |
| Wind Cave National Park | Known for its unique cave system and diverse wildlife, appealing to nature enthusiasts and families. Offers educational tours and exploration opportunities. | Wind Cave Tours, Hiking Trails, Wildlife watching, Visitor Center, Cave formations |
| Custer County | The surrounding areas of Custer provide diverse accommodation options for those looking to explore the Black Hills region, with access to various outdoor activities. | Black Hills National Forest, Outdoor recreational activities, Scenic drives, Local campgrounds, Quiet rural retreats |
| Historic Gold Discovery Site | Located nearby, this site draws history buffs interested in the Gold Rush era and mining history. Good for niche market Airbnb offerings. | Historic gold mine tours, Mining history exhibitions, Scenic landscapes, Visitor centers, Local legends |
| Wild West Junction | A themed entertainment venue that includes shops, restaurants, and shows, attracting families and tourists looking for fun and experiential activities. | Live entertainment, Western-themed shops, Family-friendly activities, Food stalls, Cultural events |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Custer offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Custer?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Custer
- The Custer Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 93.7% of the 287 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Custer, Outdoor/Unique properties are the most common (50.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 33.1% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 6.3% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like unique stays, others (combined 4.2%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Custer Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Custer
- The dominant room capacity in Custer is 1 bedroom listings, making up 29.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 50.5% of the active Airbnb listings in Custer, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 34.2% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Custer.
Custer Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Custer
- The most common guest capacity trend in Custer vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (32.1%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 4 guests dominate the Custer STR market, accounting for 51.3% of listings.
- 53.0% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Custer.
- On average, properties in Custer are equipped to host 5.3 guests.
How Do Listings in Custer Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Custer can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Custer
- At 29.8 photos per listing on average, Custer hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 20.6% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Custer averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Custer?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Custer
- Essential amenities in Custer that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Smoke alarm, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Custer: Free parking on premises, Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Smoke alarm to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Custer to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Custer?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Custer, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heating | 91.6% | $36,048 | $5,491 | 556.5% |
Kitchen | 81.9% | $39,306 | $7,222 | 444.2% |
Smoke alarm | 90.9% | $36,043 | $7,888 | 356.9% |
Coffee maker | 84.7% | $37,821 | $9,588 | 294.5% |
Fire extinguisher | 83.6% | $37,892 | $11,027 | 243.6% |
TV | 83.3% | $37,961 | $11,243 | 237.7% |
Dishes and silverware | 80.8% | $38,681 | $11,610 | 233.2% |
Cooking basics | 79.4% | $39,047 | $12,028 | 224.6% |
BBQ grill | 72.5% | $40,814 | $14,218 | 187.1% |
Microwave | 82.2% | $37,857 | $13,299 | 184.7% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Custer
- Heating tops the revenue impact list with a 556.5% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $36,048 vs. $5,491 without it.
- Heating, Kitchen, Smoke alarm, Coffee maker, Fire extinguisher, TV, Dishes and silverware, Microwave — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Custer STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Custer. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsCuster Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Custer
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Custer consists of primarily domestic travelers (97%), often arriving from nearby Sioux Falls, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 96.9% of guests.
- Key international markets include United States (96.9%) and United Kingdom (0.4%).
- Top languages spoken are English (80.1%) followed by Spanish (8.9%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Sioux Falls and Minneapolis.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Custer?
Listings in Custer average 4.86 out of 5 overall, with about 55.1 reviews per active listing and 51.9% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Custer
- With an overall rating of 4.86, Custer listings meet an exceptionally high bar. Guests consistently report strong satisfaction, which drives repeat bookings and referral traffic.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.92), while Value (4.77) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 51.9% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
Custer Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Custer
- The most common availability pattern in Custer falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 44.6% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 88.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Custer (47%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 12.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Custer?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Custer
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Custer is 71 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during September (average 90 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in January (average 24 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (88 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (31 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (71 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Custer.
- For September stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 90 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 88 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Custer averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Custer?
Guests in Custer stay about 4 nights on average, generating roughly 6,952 reservations and 24.2 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 10:00 AM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Custer
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Custer
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- At 24.2 bookings per listing, the turnover rate is high. Hosts with streamlined operations (self-check-in, automated messaging, reliable cleaners) have a structural advantage.
- Stay lengths peak in Apr (6.6 nights) and shorten in Feb (2.8 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 4:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Custer Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
69 listings
24% of total
2 Nights
80 listings
27.9% of total
3 Nights
17 listings
5.9% of total
4-6 Nights
8 listings
2.8% of total
30+ Nights
113 listings
39.4% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Custer is 30+ Nights, adopted by 39.4% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (39.4%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Custer, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 39.4% of Custer hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 24% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 39.4% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Custer.
Custer Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
0.3% of total
Limited
5 listings
1.7% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
11 listings
3.8% of total
Flexible
54 listings
18.8% of total
Moderate
70 listings
24.4% of total
Firm
116 listings
40.4% of total
Strict
30 listings
10.5% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Custer
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Custer is Firm, used by 40.4% of listings.
- A majority (50.9%) of hosts in Custer utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 40.4% market standard in Custer.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 10.5% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Custer.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Custer?
Cleaning fees in Custer are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Custer
- 81.9% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Custer. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The gap between the average ($131) and median ($100) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
- Cleaning fees represent 9.1% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Custer median of $100. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Custer Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Custerbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Largest Custer Lodge-Sleeps 22
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Black Hills Cabin: Hot Tub, Fishing Pond & Deck
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Custer Gem Retreat | Spacious Black Hills Getaway
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Evergreen Lodge - A true Black Hills Experience
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Elk Ridge-Fire Place-Custer
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Ponderosa Cabin | Blue Bell Lodge
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Custer?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Custer based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stay In The Black Hills | 17 | $1,438,212 | 1146 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Velora Management Group | 16 | $1,005,041 | 689 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Candace | 19 | $780,060 | 789 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Evolve | 7 | $388,003 | 342 | 4.81/5.0 |
| Thomas | 5 | $260,256 | 639 | 4.99/5.0 |
| Joy | 5 | $257,434 | 126 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Lee Ann | 8 | $257,207 | 201 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Crystal | 7 | $228,456 | 717 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Diane | 3 | $228,141 | 55 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Buffalo Ridge | 10 | $219,827 | 475 | 4.66/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Custer.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Custer?
Custer is a quality-focused market, with a high Superhost share and fairly mature operating standards.
Host Profile Insights for Custer
- With 67.9% Superhosts, Custer has an experienced host base that sets high guest expectations. New entrants should plan for competitive quality standards.
- 18.1% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 8.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 76.7% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 16.4% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Custer averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Custer
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Custer, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stay In The Black Hills | 17 | $1,438,212 | $463 | 50.1% | 4.89/5 |
| Velora Management Group | 16 | $1,005,041 | $312 | 53.2% | 4.79/5 |
| Evolve | 7 | $388,003 | $342 | 52.0% | 4.81/5 |
| Lee Ann | 8 | $257,207 | $289 | 48.5% | 4.79/5 |
| TrailHound | 1 | $173,005 | $1,128 | 50.8% | 4.93/5 |
| Daniela | 10 | $158,561 | $177 | 63.6% | 4.59/5 |
| Clayton | 3 | $102,888 | $225 | 67.4% | 4.96/5 |
| Cheri | 3 | $87,847 | $353 | 38.8% | 4.82/5 |
| Adam | 2 | $86,301 | $362 | 45.9% | 4.91/5 |
| Sarah | 2 | $83,523 | $407 | 38.3% | 4.95/5 |
Management Company Insights for Custer
- The leading management company, Stay In The Black Hills, operates 17 listings with $1,438,212 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Custer.
- Top managers average 7 properties each, suggesting professional management in Custer still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.84/5 in guest ratings — demonstrating that scale and quality can coexist.
Recommendations
- With only 18.1% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Custer's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Custer Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with Keystone, Custer has 4 percentage points lower occupancy and about $8 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder House Pass | 118 | $6,446 | $603.38 | 37% |
| Black Hawk | 21 | $3,464 | $328.31 | 46% |
| Nemo | 21 | $3,232 | $395.12 | 46% |
| Lead | 483 | $3,120 | $363.75 | 36% |
| Whitewood | 20 | $3,006 | $361.87 | 42% |
| Deadwood | 142 | $2,857 | $362.80 | 37% |
| Keystone | 94 | $2,778 | $283.89 | 51% |
| Rapid City | 658 | $2,575 | $251.89 | 49% |
| Spearfish | 172 | $2,469 | $305.52 | 41% |
| Summerset | 17 | $2,379 | $374.94 | 41% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Custer
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Custer.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Custer?
Custer hosts earn about $33,493 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $276 and RevPAR of $140. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Custer, South Dakota, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Custer market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Custer?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Custer is 46.6%. July is the strongest month and February is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Custer?
Listings in Custer average $276 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Custer?
Custer currently has about 287 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Custer?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Custer as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Custer?
RevPAR in Custer is about $140. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Custer?
At 46.6% occupancy, Custer can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $33,493, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Custer?
The average booking lead time in Custer is about 71 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Custer?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Custer include Custer State Park, Downtown Custer, Crazy Horse Memorial. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Custer?
entire_home listings make up 93.7% of the active supply in Custer. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Custer compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Powder House Pass posts $77,353 in average annual revenue with 37.3% occupancy, compared to Custer's $33,493 and 46.6%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Custer?
The average Airbnb stay length in Custer is about 4 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Custer?
Airbnb listings in Custer average 4.86 out of 5 overall. About 51.9% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Custer?
Heating and Kitchen are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Custer. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Custer?
Yes. About 81.9% of active Airbnb listings in Custer charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $131. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Custer?
A 67.9% Superhost rate signals a highly competitive market where review quality and responsiveness are table stakes, not differentiators.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.