Cities and Towns in Hampton County, South Carolina

Founded in 1787, Hampton County is one of 46 counties in the state of South Carolina. Historically, Hampton County was formed from Beaufort. The city of Hampton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 49, Hampton County has a population of 18,180 and area of 563 square miles (1,458 km²).

List of all cities in Hampton County, SC alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Barkersville, SC	29916	843
Blake, SC	29945	843
Brighton, SC	29922	803
Brunson, SC	29911	803
Crocketville, SC	29913	803
Early Branch, SC	29916	843
Estill, SC	29918	803
	29939	803
Fechtig, SC	29916	843
Furman, SC	29921	803
Gardens Corner, SC	29945	843
Garnett, SC	29922	803
Gifford, SC	29923	803
Grays, SC	29916	843
Hampton, SC	29913	803
	29924	803
Luray, SC	29932	803
Miley, SC	29933	803
Nixville, SC	29918	803
Pocataligo, SC	29945	843
Robertville, SC	29922	803
Salkehatchie, SC	29945	843
Scotia, SC	29939	803
Shirley, SC	29922	803
Varnville, SC	29944	803
White Hall, SC	29945	843
Yemassee, SC	29945	843

Major Cities and Towns in Hampton County, South Carolina

Hampton

General Information

• Area: 4.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,500 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 29924
• Latitude: 32.8671° N
• Longitude: 81.1137° W

Location and History

Hampton, the county seat of Hampton County, is located in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina. Established in 1878, the town was named after Wade Hampton III, a Confederate general and governor of South Carolina. Hampton’s growth was closely tied to the expansion of the railroad, which made it a hub for trade and transportation. The town’s history reflects the agricultural and timber industries that defined the region, and many historic homes and buildings in downtown Hampton stand as a testament to its heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hampton is served by Hampton County School District, including Wade Hampton High School. Notable landmarks include the Hampton County Courthouse, a historic structure built in the early 20th century, and the annual Watermelon Festival, which celebrates the area’s agricultural roots. The nearby Lake Warren State Park provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Varnville

General Information

• Area: 3.1 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 29944
• Latitude: 32.8507° N
• Longitude: 81.0798° W

Location and History

Varnville, located near the center of Hampton County, was established in the late 19th century as a result of the growing timber industry. The town’s name honors the Varn family, who were early settlers and prominent in local business. The railroad played a key role in Varnville’s development, facilitating the transport of timber and goods. Today, Varnville retains its small-town charm and serves as a residential and commercial center for the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Varnville is part of the Hampton County School District, with students attending Wade Hampton High School and North District Middle School. Landmarks include the historic Varnville Depot, which reflects the town’s railroad heritage, and the Yemassee National Fish Hatchery, located nearby, offering educational and recreational opportunities. The town is also featured prominently in the film Forrest Gump, which used Varnville’s downtown for key scenes.

Estill

General Information

• Area: 3.5 square miles
• Population: Approximately 2,000 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 29918
• Latitude: 32.7554° N
• Longitude: 81.2412° W

Location and History

Estill, located in the southern part of Hampton County, was founded in the early 20th century as a railroad town. Named after Colonel J. H. Estill, a prominent newspaper publisher, the town grew as a center for agriculture and timber. Estill played a vital role in regional trade, and its historic downtown features well-preserved buildings that reflect its early 20th-century origins.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Estill’s schools include Estill High School and Estill Elementary School, both part of Hampton County School District. Key landmarks include the Estill Train Depot and the Bull Durham Tobacco Ghost Sign, a piece of vintage Americana. Nearby, the Savannah River provides opportunities for outdoor activities, and the Webb Wildlife Center offers a natural retreat for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation.

Yemassee

General Information

• Area: 4.6 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,100 (2023 estimate)
• Zip Codes: 29945
• Latitude: 32.6957° N
• Longitude: 80.8518° W

Location and History

Yemassee, located in the southeastern corner of Hampton County, extends into Beaufort and Colleton counties. The town’s name originates from the Yemassee Native American tribe that once inhabited the region. Founded in the late 19th century, Yemassee became a key stop on the Charleston and Savannah Railway, which spurred its development. The town played a significant role during World War II as the site of a Marine Corps training depot.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Yemassee’s schools are part of the Hampton County School District, with students attending schools in nearby communities. Notable landmarks include the Yemassee Train Depot, a historic site that served as a gateway for military personnel during World War II. The nearby Auldbrass Plantation, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is an architectural masterpiece and a major attraction. Yemassee’s location near the ACE Basin provides access to one of the largest natural reserves on the East Coast.