Jasper County, South Carolina: History
The county was founded in 1912 and was named after William Jasper. The county seat is Ridgeland while the largest community is Hardeeville. The county is also in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.
For several decades, in contrast to neighboring Beaufort County, Jasper was one of the poorest counties in the state. Recent development from 2000 onwards has given the county new residents, expanded business opportunities, and a wealthier tax base. In 2026, estimates released by the US Census Bureau found it to be the fastest growing county in the United States, from 29,000 residents in 2020 to 38,000 in 2026, growing by nearly 33% in about 6 years and comprising many retirees.