EZ Home Search Guide to Living in Jasper County, SC 

Considering living in South Carolina? Check out the gateway to South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Jasper County. You’ll find plenty of moss-covered oak trees and palmettos, serene small country towns, and empty rural roads, but also areas of growth, commerce, arts and culture, and rich history.

Life in Jasper County is more relaxed. The number of people per square mile is lower than many of the surrounding counties, making it ideal for someone looking to get away or own an expansive land tract. This is a community where the neighbors know each other’s names, the residents’ roots go back generations, and people appreciate a slower pace of life. 

Explore Jasper County and why it could be perfect for your next home.

About Jasper County

Jasper County is South Carolina’s southernmost county. It has a central location along I-95, making it an ideal stopping point for Miami or New York City interstate travelers. The border touches the Atlantic Ocean, providing residents with fresh Seafood and opportunities for commerce.

Surrounding counties include Hampton County to its north, Beaufort County to the east, Chatham County in Georgia to the south, and Effingham County in Georgia to its West. There are two national protected areas associated with Jasper County, Tybee National Wildlife Refuge and part of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. 

The Savannah River makes its southern boundary. In fact, Jasper faces the bustling southern city of Savannah, GA. Parts of its eastern borders are made by the New River, Broad River, Coosawhatchie River, and Tulifinny River. 

Jasper County History

Before European explorers arrived, this area was the home of the Yemassee and Coosaw Native Americans. Explorers established a settlement called Purrysburg in 1732 beside the Savannah River, but the town did not last. Other early towns include Coosawhatchie and Pocotaligo.

The Civil War Battle of Honey Hill, part of General William T. Sherman’s March to the Sea, happened inside county borders in November 1864. Here, the Confederate Army defeated Union troops. Pocotaligo was another site of an early Civil War battle.

Jasper County was formed in 1912 from parts of Beaufort and Hampton counties. It was named after a revolutionary war hero, Sgt. William Jasper, who gained notoriety for leaping over a fort’s wall, securing the South Carolina flag, and safely returning to his post to fight. 

For a long time, the lumber industry was the basis of its economy. Today, Jasper has been targeted for a new port that is expected to grow manufacturing and warehousing in the area.

Jasper County Cities and Areas

The county seat is Ridgeland, also known as the “Heart of the Lowcountry.” It is located on I-95, about halfway between New York and Miami and between the port cities of Charleston and Savannah. It’s ideal for reaching some of the most desirable tourist destinations in the southeastern United States.

Historic Hardeeville dates back to the early 1700s and the Purrysburg settlement on the banks of the Savannah River. It originated as a summer residence for nearby rice plantation owners. General Sherman burned the city during his famous March to the Sea. Only a few homes and the Methodist Church were spared, with the church used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.

Hardeeville was the epicenter of the lumber industry with the opening of the Argent Lumber Company. The company built railways throughout the area. Argent stopped logging late in the century, but the construction of I-95 helped revitalize a modern Hardeeville.

Coosawhatchie is a historic unincorporated community at the northern head of the Broad River. It was the headquarters for General Robert E Lee during part of the American Civil War.

Jasper County Job Market

By far, the largest employing industry in Jasper County is in the healthcare and social assistance industries. Other leading employing industries include the retail trade, construction work, and public administration. 

According to a South Carolina Community profile, in June 2021, Jasper County had the most job openings for registered nurses, customer service representatives, retail sales, and heavy and tractor-trailer drivers. 

It is projected that by 2026, the industries with the most growth will be in health care, accommodation and food services, real estate and leasing, and administrative and support roles. However, the new Port of Jasper is targeted to open in 2025. Located across from Savannah, GA, it is expected to grow manufacturing, warehousing, and global distribution industries.

Jasper County has a relatively low unemployment rate compared to South Carolina and the United States. In 2020, the unemployment rate in the area was 5.1%, compared to 6.2% for the state and 8.1% for the nation. As of June 2021, the county’s unemployment rate was 3.6%, where South Carolina reported 4.5%. That was up from May 2021, when the county had a 2.8% unemployment rate.

The largest employers in the Jasper County area include the Coastal Carolina Medical Center, Jasper County Government, the Jasper County School District, Palmetto Electric, the City of Hardeeville, AmeriGas Propane, and Carecore National.

Jasper County Real Estate Market

The Beaufort-Jasper County Real Estate Association provides data that shows, as of May 2021, an increase in pending sales throughout the two-county area. Overall, there is a trend of increasing median sale prices, more closed sales, and a reduction in the available housing inventory in the two-county area. Median sale prices have been trending upward for several years.

Looking more specifically at regions of Jasper County, in May 2021, the BJREA reported:

• Ridgeland and its surrounding area had 23 new listings, a 64% increase year-over-year. The median sales price rose just 1.4% to $221,651. The biggest change was in the days on the market until sale, which dropped 68.7% to 18 days. Year-to-date, there was a 37% jump in new listings and a 10% increase in median sales price. The area has trended toward increasing median sales prices since 2015. 
• In Hardeeville, it’s best to look at the year-to-date for May 2021. The median sale price was $304,766, a 13.6% increase. The inventory is low, but historically, median sale prices have been on the rise in Hardeeville since 2018. 

Jasper County Population Growth

The average age of a Jasper County resident was 40.3 years, according to the US Census. The majority of residents fell in the 20 to 29 age bracket.

The Jasper County number of residents is growing; the region was identified as the second fastest-growing county by population in the state, only behind Horry County. Community profile data for 2020 reported 26,130 people living in Jasper County. That is projected to grow to 29,000 by 2030. Overall, population growth has been slow and steady. The Census estimates that the population has increased by 21% from April 1st, 2010.

Around 43.8% of area residents identified as white while 40.8% identified as African-American or black. About 13.9% identified as Latino. There were approximately 2.74 people per household.

Approximately 38% of residents have some college or higher. Just 12% said they had a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median household income for 2015-2019 was $45,601. 

Jasper County Education

The Jasper County School District services students in pre-k through 12th grade. It is a small, rural school district with approximately 2,700 students. The district runs just two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one alternative school.

The school district itself has two campuses. The north campus is in Ridgeland and has Richland Elementary School and Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School. There is also a career and advanced technology education center on the campus that teaches aerospace technology, business management, cybersecurity, health science, information technology, and more disciplines.

The south campus is in Hardeeville and has Hardeeville Elementary School and Hardeeville-Ridgeland Middle School. 

A special program at the Beaufort-Jasper Academy for Career Excellence (BJ-ACE) is available to sophomore through senior students. It has 14 different vocational programs to assist students seeking to attend college or launch right into a career upon graduation. 

There are no higher education institutions inside Jasper County’s borders. The University of South Carolina did build a four-year campus in nearby Beaufort, and the Technical College of the Lowcountry also has a campus for two-year programs and certificates located on Highway 278. 

In 2021, Jasper County had three private schools. The top-ranked private school in the area was the Thomas Heyward Academy. 

Jasper County Health Care

Health care is one of the top employing industries in Jasper County. Much of that comes from the new county hospital, Coastal Carolina Hospital.

Coastal Carolina Hospital in Hardeeville provides emergency care, medical imaging, rehabilitation, surgical services, and more. They also offer preventative care. This hospital is part of the Hilton Head Regional Healthcare program.

Another medical provider is the Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services. Its mission is to provide medical services to underserved populations. The BJHCHS operates medical centers in Hardeeville and Ridgeland. 

Jasper County Things to Do

Jasper County is a place where you kick back and enjoy nature’s bounty. You’re going to find authentic Lowcountry cooking, lots of community festivals, and places for outdoor recreation. 

The Gopher Hill Festival takes place in Ridgeland during the first weekend of October. Here you’ll enjoy authentic Lowcountry cooking, handmade crafts, and fun activities for the whole family. The Jasper Jamboree is in the second weekend in February, while the Native American Pow-Wow happens in the second week of March. 

Jasper County Dining

You’ll find lots of home cooking and southern options in the Jasper County area. For instance, Duke’s BBQ serves up classic southern BBQ. Order by the plates or try the self-serve BBQ buffet.

Another local stop in Ridgeland, Roxy’s Restaurant, provides American classics like ribeye and chicken alfredo. Fiddler’s Seafood serves boat-to-table Seafood like fried shrimp and catfish.

Over in Hardeeville, locals enjoy the Chicken Lickin’ Hickory House, renowned for its fried chicken. The Pink Pig is its local barbeque joint.

Another local favorite is the River Dog Brewing Company. Stop by for curbside or in-store pickup.

Jasper County Shopping

Jasper County isn’t exactly known for being a shopping destination. You’ll find lots of local stores to service your day-to-day needs, such as Wal-Mart and Dollar General. Residents of Hardeeville are near some excellent Lowcountry shopping, such as the Tanger Outlets in Bluffton and the Mall at Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island.

Your best resources for special event shopping and retail are to head to Savannah, Hilton Head, or Charleston. 

Jasper County Local Attractions

Parts of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge are on the Jasper County side of the border. This natural area protects a range of wild species. The Savannah River provides a mix of fresh and salt water, ideal for different kinds of fishing and recreation

The Blue Huron Nature Trail circles a three-acre lake in Ridgeland. There are several docks where you can feed the fish, turtles, and ducks. A boardwalk meanders through native wetlands and a butterfly garden.

Frampton Plantation Museum House was built in the 1700s as part of an original King’s Grant. The original plantation had thousands of acres producing cotton and rice. The Confederate troops built an earthwork gun emplacement to protect the railroad that was located behind the house. You can still see these mounds today. The plantation was also targeted during Sherman’s March to the Sea. The house has been refurbished and is used as the Lowcountry Visitor Center and museum. It hosts a Civil War reenactment event each year on the actual battle site.

Steam engine number 7 is located along Main Street in Hardeeville. This engine was once the workhouse of the Argent Lumber Company that operated from Hardeeville. The engine is a 1910 model and was in active use until 1957.

Sergeant Jasper Park has 132 acres with trails, fishing lakes, and picnic areas. It’s also home to a popular disc golf course. There are plans to expand the trails and to establish canoe or kayak waterways.

Making Your Home in Jasper County

If you want a slice of the South Carolina Lowcountry and are looking to get away from it all, try Jasper County. Here you will enjoy a rural lifestyle while still being close to the urban amenities in Savannah and Hilton Head when you want them. The people here are friendly and always willing to help out a neighbor. With the new port, the region is poised for population and economic growth.