Cities and Towns in Jasper County, South Carolina

Founded in 1912, Jasper County is one of 46 counties in the state of South Carolina. Historically, Jasper County was formed from Beaufort and Hampton. The city of Ridgeland is the county seat. With FIPS code of 53, Jasper County has a population of 30,324 and area of 700 square miles (1,813 km²).

List of all cities in Jasper County, SC alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bellinger, SC	29927	843
Coosawhatchie, SC	29912	843
	29936	843
Gillisonville, SC	29936	843
Harbville, SC	29927	843
Hardeeville, SC	29927	843
Limehouse, SC	29927	843
Mitchellville, SC	29936	843
Pineland, SC	29934	843
Purysburgh, SC	29927	843
Ridgeland, SC	29912	843
	29936	843
Switzerland, SC	29936	843
Tarboro, SC	29943	843
Tillman, SC	29943	843

Major Cities and Towns in Jasper County, South Carolina

Ridgeland, South Carolina

Location and History

Ridgeland is the county seat of Jasper County and is located in the southern part of South Carolina, approximately 30 miles from Hilton Head Island and 50 miles from Savannah, Georgia. The town was founded in the early 19th century and initially grew as a center for agriculture, with rice and cotton being the primary crops in the region. Ridgeland was incorporated in 1870 and named after the surrounding ridgeland terrain, which was unique to the area. Over the years, the town developed into a transportation hub, benefiting from its location along major highways, including Interstate 95, which runs directly through the town. Ridgeland’s economy has historically relied on agriculture, but in recent decades, tourism, local businesses, and service industries have become more prominent. The town is also known for its natural beauty and proximity to coastal areas, which make it a popular stop for travelers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ridgeland is served by the Jasper County School District, with Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School and Ridgeland Middle School being key educational institutions for the local community. The town is also home to several private and charter schools. Key landmarks in Ridgeland include the historic Jasper County Courthouse, a beautiful neoclassical building that symbolizes the town’s civic heritage. Another notable landmark is the Old Jail, which is a preserved 19th-century structure that offers a glimpse into the region’s past. The Ridgeland Historic District features a variety of well-preserved homes and buildings, showcasing the town’s antebellum and early 20th-century architecture. Ridgeland is also close to the Savannah River, which offers recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Key Statistics

• Area: 2.4 square miles
• Population: 1,200 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 29936
• Latitude: 32.9914° N
• Longitude: 81.0739° W

Hardeeville, South Carolina

Location and History

Hardeeville is located in the northern part of Jasper County, near the South Carolina-Georgia border, and is part of the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton metropolitan area. Originally settled in the early 18th century, the town was named after its founder, William Hardee, who established a trading post along the Savannah River. Hardeeville grew slowly through the 19th and early 20th centuries, with agriculture, particularly rice and timber, driving the local economy. In the mid-20th century, the town began to develop more rapidly due to the expansion of nearby Hilton Head Island as a major tourist destination. The construction of Interstate 95, which passes through Hardeeville, also spurred its growth as a regional commercial hub. Today, Hardeeville has evolved into a rapidly growing suburban community, attracting new residents and businesses, while still maintaining its small-town charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hardeeville is served by the Jasper County School District, with Hardeeville-Ridgeland High School and Hardeeville Elementary School providing education to local students. The town is also home to several private schools, including the Hilton Head Preparatory School. In terms of landmarks, Hardeeville is known for its proximity to the Savannah River, which offers opportunities for fishing and boating. The town also features the Hardeeville Historic District, with several preserved buildings dating back to the early 20th century. One notable landmark is the Hardeeville Train Depot, which is a symbol of the town’s historical ties to the railroad. Additionally, Hardeeville is close to the Okatie Creek and the New River, both of which are popular for outdoor recreation.

Key Statistics

• Area: 4.5 square miles
• Population: 6,000 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 29927
• Latitude: 32.3894° N
• Longitude: 81.1376° W

Yemassee, South Carolina

Location and History

Yemassee is a small town located in the central part of Jasper County, approximately 20 miles from both Ridgeland and Beaufort, South Carolina. The town was founded in the early 19th century and named after the Yemassee Native American tribe that once inhabited the region. Yemassee was initially established as a trading post and quickly grew due to its strategic location at the intersection of major roads and the railroad. The town became a key stop along the Charleston-to-Savannah trade route and developed as a transportation hub in the 19th century. Yemassee also played a role during the Civil War, with several skirmishes occurring in the area. In the 20th century, Yemassee’s economy transitioned from agriculture to more service-oriented industries, although agriculture still plays an important role in the local economy. Today, Yemassee is a small, primarily residential town that has benefited from its location along Interstate 95, which brings both commerce and visitors to the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Yemassee is served by the Beaufort County School District, with Yemassee Elementary School and the nearby Whale Branch Early College High School providing educational services to local children. The town does not have many major landmarks, but it is home to the Yemassee Depot, a historic train station that dates back to the 19th century and highlights the town’s role in early transportation networks. Additionally, the Old Yemassee Cemetery is a significant historical site, with graves dating back to the early settlers of the area. The town is also located near the Francis Beidler Forest, a well-known natural preserve that offers hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as educational programs about the region’s ecosystem.

Key Statistics

• Area: 1.5 square miles
• Population: 1,000 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 29945
• Latitude: 32.8380° N
• Longitude: 80.7586° W

Coosawhatchie, South Carolina

Location and History

Coosawhatchie is a small, unincorporated community located in the western part of Jasper County, near the border with Beaufort County. The name Coosawhatchie comes from the Coosawhatchie River, which flows through the area and was historically significant for Native American tribes and early settlers. The community was established in the early 19th century as a small trading post and agricultural area. It grew modestly in the 1800s, largely due to its strategic location along the river, which facilitated trade and transportation. Today, Coosawhatchie remains a quiet rural area, with its economy still tied to agriculture and forestry. The community’s location near the intersection of several highways makes it a small but strategic point for travelers passing through the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

As an unincorporated community, Coosawhatchie does not have its own schools but is served by the Jasper County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Ridgeland or other communities in the district. The town does not have many large-scale landmarks but is known for its natural beauty, particularly along the Coosawhatchie River. The river offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Coosawhatchie is also near the Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, which provides recreational opportunities and is home to a variety of native wildlife species. The area remains largely residential, with a mix of homes, farms, and preserved land.

Key Statistics

• Area: 1.8 square miles
• Population: 800 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 29912
• Latitude: 32.4679° N
• Longitude: 80.9682° W