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Jasper County, South Carolina — County Report Card

SC

#45 in South Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
34.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 80.1Income & Jobs 49.6

County Report Card

About Jasper County, South Carolina

A Challenging National Performance Profile

Jasper County reports a composite score of 34.6, which is significantly lower than the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the lower tier of national rankings for overall livability.

One of the State's Lower-Scoring Counties

With a score of 34.6, Jasper falls well behind the South Carolina state average of 42.8. The county struggles to match the education and safety benchmarks set by its more developed neighbors.

Clean Water and Low Property Taxes

Jasper shines with a water quality score of 86.0 and a tax score of 80.1. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.553% and reliable access to high-quality water resources.

Educational and Safety Metrics Need Growth

The county faces hurdles in both school and safety dimensions, both scoring at 16.5. Improving these public services remains a primary challenge for local development and community stability.

Best for Low-Tax Rural Pioneers

Jasper County suits those who value low taxes and a median household income of $63,503 over local school rankings. It is a viable option for individuals who work in nearby coastal hubs but want a lower tax footprint at home.

Score breakdown

Tax80.1Cost26Safety16.5Health30.8Schools16.5Income49.6Risk21.4Water86Weather35.9
🏛80.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼49.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡16.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓16.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35.4
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Effingham County
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49
Beaufort County
South Carolina
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Chatham County
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Hampton County
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Bryan County
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Colleton County
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Deep Dives

Jasper County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jasper County

via TaxByCounty

Jasper's rate moderately above national median

Jasper County's effective tax rate of 0.553% sits above the national median of 0.71% percentile, placing it slightly above the midpoint nationally. Median property taxes of $1,490 exceed the national median of $2,690 is not quite 55% of it, reflecting Jasper's median home value of $269,400 that's slightly below the national figure of $281,900.

Jasper ranks middle of the pack statewide

Jasper County's effective rate of 0.553% sits just above South Carolina's average of 0.542%, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 46 counties. The median tax of $1,490 exceeds the state median of $939, reflecting Jasper's relatively higher home values.

Comparable to neighboring Beaufort-area counties

Jasper's 0.553% rate aligns closely with nearby Beaufort (0.569%) and Allendale (0.584%), making the region relatively consistent in taxation. Jasper's median tax of $1,490 sits between its peers, matching the Lowcountry's overall tax profile.

Median Jasper home costs $1,490 yearly

On Jasper's median home value of $269,400 and effective rate of 0.553%, homeowners pay roughly $1,490 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill climbs to $2,083, reflecting the county's moderate-to-above-average tax burden.

Review your assessment for possible savings

Jasper County homeowners paying $1,490 or more annually should verify their assessment against recent home sales in their neighborhood. An appeal can be filed with the county assessor if your assessed value significantly exceeds comparable market prices.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jasper County

via CostByCounty

Jasper rents strain local paychecks most

Jasper County's 24.7% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these eight counties and well above the 20.1% state average, signaling acute housing stress. At $1,307 monthly rent against a $63,503 median income, renters here struggle more than peers elsewhere in South Carolina.

Most unaffordable rents statewide here

Jasper leads this group with both the highest rent-to-income ratio (24.7%) and the steepest monthly rent ($1,307), creating the toughest rental market in the county dataset. Income levels near state averages don't compensate for rents 38% above the statewide median.

Priciest rentals among coastal peers

Jasper's $1,307 rent exceeds Horry County's $1,181 by $126 monthly and dwarfs inland alternatives like Laurens ($847) by 54%. This premium reflects Jasper's positioning between coastal amenities and rural calm, attracting demand without the job market depth of larger regional centers.

Ownership costs far less than renting

Jasper homeowners pay just $904 monthly versus renters' $1,307—a $403 gap that makes homeownership dramatically more affordable if you can access financing. The median home value of $269,400 remains reachable for dual-income households, though the upfront barrier is substantial.

Jasper best for buyers, tough for renters

If you're relocating to Jasper, prioritize purchasing over renting; the ownership advantage is significant and justifies shopping for a mortgage. Remote workers earning $75,000+ can manage comfortably; local wage earners should carefully assess household affordability before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jasper County

via IncomeByCounty

Jasper County trails national income by 15%

Jasper County's median household income of $63,503 falls 15% short of the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic patterns typical of rural Lowcountry communities. However, the county's per capita income of $32,505 closely mirrors the national average, suggesting relatively equitable wealth distribution across households.

Jasper ranks above South Carolina average

Jasper County's median household income of $63,503 exceeds South Carolina's state average of $57,006 by 11%, placing it among the state's mid-tier earning counties. Its per capita income of $32,505 matches the state average of $32,382, showing consistent income levels with state benchmarks.

Jasper earns alongside Kershaw and Horry

Jasper's $63,503 median income runs nearly equal to Kershaw County ($64,343) and just below Horry County ($64,623), though it significantly trails top performers Lancaster ($74,751) and Lexington ($75,014). Among rural Lowcountry peers, Jasper holds its own in the middle tier of county earnings.

Housing costs bite deeper in Jasper County

At 24.7%, Jasper's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in the region, meaning renters dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to housing and approach affordability stress. With median home values at $269,400, many Jasper families face tight housing markets that limit homeownership access despite moderate household incomes.

Strategic saving builds Jasper family wealth

Jasper residents should prioritize emergency savings to buffer housing cost pressures, then pursue employer retirement plans and tax-advantaged education savings accounts for children. Local credit unions and community development organizations often offer below-market lending to help families transition from renting to homeownership.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jasper County

via CrimeByCounty

Jasper County Outperforms National Safety Stats

Jasper County boasts a total crime rate of 2275.5 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a strong safety score of 96.4.

One of South Carolina's Safer Counties

Jasper County's safety score of 96.4 is well above the South Carolina state average of 95.4. It also maintains a total crime rate significantly below the state average of 2,920.8 per 100K.

Jasper Leads Neighbors in Public Safety

Compared to nearby Hampton County, Jasper's crime rate is roughly 15% lower. Eight local agencies collaborate to maintain these lower figures compared to regional averages.

Understanding Jasper's Crime Composition

Violent crime in Jasper County stands at 509.4 per 100K, while property crime is relatively low at 1766.1. The lower property crime rate contributes heavily to the county's overall safety rating.

Maintaining a Safe Home Environment

While Jasper is safer than many peers, property crime still occurs at a rate of 1766.1 per 100K. Residents should use deadbolts and keep outdoor areas well-lit to deter potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jasper County

via HealthByCounty

Jasper trails national life expectancy

At 74.1 years, Jasper County residents live about 2 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, indicating room for improvement in preventive care and chronic disease management. One in five (19.9%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 16%, reflecting moderate health challenges.

Above average for South Carolina

Jasper's life expectancy of 74.1 years exceeds South Carolina's average of 72.5 years by 1.6 years, placing it in the state's healthier half. However, the 19.9% poor/fair health rate signals ongoing struggles with chronic disease, particularly among low-income residents.

Similar health to Horry, fewer doctors

Jasper's life expectancy (74.1) mirrors Horry County (74.6) but with significantly fewer primary care providers—just 23 per 100,000 versus Horry's 62. This access gap likely forces Jasper residents to travel farther for routine care, delaying treatment and worsening outcomes over time.

Uninsured rate hits one in six

Jasper's 15.9% uninsured rate is the highest among compared counties, leaving roughly 3,500 residents without health coverage in a rural setting. With only 23 primary care providers per 100,000—among the lowest statewide—residents struggle to find available doctors, creating a double barrier to care.

Don't go uninsured in Jasper

Uninsured care in a medically underserved county is a recipe for financial and health crisis: reach out to Jasper County health services or dial 211 to find low-cost clinics and coverage options. Your health insurance is your safety net when emergencies strike.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jasper County

via SchoolsByCounty

Developing Infrastructure in Jasper County

Jasper County's education landscape features eight public schools serving 3,598 students. The system is characterized by a high concentration of high schools and a growing charter school presence managed across two districts.

Meeting Challenges with Leaner Funding

The county reports an 82% graduation rate and a school score of 47.6, both slightly below state averages. Education is funded at $6,202 per pupil, which is approximately $1,000 less than the state average and significantly below the national spending level.

A Hub for Charter Innovation

Jasper 01 is the primary district, but the county stands out for its high charter participation, with 25% of schools being charter-operated. The Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts and Sciences is a major local fixture, enrolling 655 students.

Rural Schooling with Growing Centers

Six of the county’s eight schools are located in rural settings, though the average school size remains mid-sized at 514 students. Ridgeland Elementary is the largest local campus with 829 students, anchoring the primary education experience in the county.

Find Home in a Transitioning District

For families looking to participate in a developing school system with unique charter options, Jasper County offers interesting alternatives. Evaluate local properties near the Ridgeland or Hardeeville campuses to stay connected to the county's main educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jasper County

via RiskByCounty

Jasper County carries above-average risk

With a composite risk score of 78.59, Jasper County scores above the national average and carries a Relatively Low rating overall. This Low Country county faces meaningful but manageable disaster exposure.

Moderate risk within South Carolina

Jasper County ranks in the middle tier of South Carolina counties, scoring 7.84 points above the state average of 70.75. Among the state's 46 counties, Jasper faces moderate hazard exposure.

Comparable to nearby Hampton County

Hampton County (64.79) presents lower risk, while Beaufort County (measured differently) shows similar coastal vulnerabilities. Jasper's wildfire risk (76.72) exceeds most neighbors, offsetting lower tornado exposure.

Hurricanes and wildfires pose greatest threats

Hurricane risk (96.20) and wildfire risk (76.72) are Jasper's dominant hazards, with flood risk (59.00) remaining moderate. Tornado risk (35.85) stays relatively low compared to inland counties.

Bundle flood and wind insurance

Flood insurance is essential in Jasper County and not included in standard homeowners policies. Pair it with wind/hurricane coverage to address your county's top two risk categories.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Jasper County

via SoilByCounty

Ultisols define the Jasper landscape

Jasper County is dominated by Ultisols with a loamy fine sand texture and an average pH of 5.32. This pH is slightly higher than the South Carolina average but still falls below the national median of 6.5. These soils are weathered and acidic, requiring careful management of lime and fertilizers.

A balanced loamy fine sand

The soil mix contains 73.4% sand, 14.9% silt, and 11.7% clay, providing a versatile foundation for agriculture. The moderate clay content offers better nutrient storage than neighboring sandier counties. It strikes a good balance between being easy to till and maintaining its structure under heavy rain.

Solid fertility and moderate water storage

Organic matter stands at 2.84%, outperforming the state average of 2.05%. Available water capacity is 0.102 in/in, which is closer to the state average than many coastal neighbors. This combination creates a soil that is relatively resilient and capable of supporting vigorous plant growth.

Reliable and moderately well-drained ground

Classified as 'Moderately well drained' with a B/D hydrologic group, this soil generally moves water effectively. It offers flexibility for both farming and construction, as it does not stay saturated as long as many coastal soils. You can expect good performance from traditional septic systems and garden drainage here.

Bountiful harvests in Zone 9a

Jasper County enjoys the warmth of Zone 9a, allowing for the growth of citrus and other subtropical varieties. The soil and climate combination is perfect for strawberries, peppers, and even some palm species. It is a gardener's paradise where the season almost never truly ends.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jasper County

via LawnByCounty

Meeting the Average in Jasper County

Jasper County holds a lawn difficulty score of 35.4, placing it right at the South Carolina average. As one of the few Zone 9a regions in the state, it offers a unique climate for warm-season grasses. While easier than some neighbors, it still requires more effort than the national median of 50.0.

Adapting to the Zone 9a Shift

Specific local climate data for precipitation and heat days is limited, but the Zone 9a designation suggests a very long growing season. Homeowners should prepare for high humidity and consistent warmth typical of the South Carolina coast. Regular monitoring of local weather stations is essential for timing your mowing and watering cycles.

Sandy Loam Requires Acid Correction

The local soil is a loamy fine sand that is moderately well drained, making it a decent foundation for turf. However, the pH of 5.32 is quite acidic compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grass types. With 73.4% sand and 11.7% clay, you will need to add organic matter and lime to improve nutrient holding capacity.

Combating Total Severe Drought

Jasper County is currently experiencing 100% severe drought coverage, making water management the top priority for any lawn owner. The region has endured 25 weeks of drought in the past year, creating significant stress for un-irrigated turf. Implementing a smart irrigation controller can help you maintain your lawn while adhering to water conservation needs.

Taking Advantage of the Long Season

The warm Zone 9a climate is perfect for St. Augustine or Bahia grass, which thrive in extended heat. Since frost dates are unavailable, watch local soil temperatures; once they consistently hit 65°F, it is time to start seeding. Early preparation and soil testing are your best tools for overcoming the current drought challenges.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jasper County's county score?
Jasper County, South Carolina has a composite county score of 34.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Jasper County rank among counties in South Carolina?
Jasper County ranks #45 among all counties in South Carolina on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Jasper County, South Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Jasper County is $1,490, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Jasper County a tax score of 80.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jasper County?
The median household income in Jasper County, South Carolina is $63,503 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jasper County earns an income score of 49.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jasper County, South Carolina a good place to live?
Jasper County scores 34.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in South Carolina. The best way to evaluate Jasper County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Jasper County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.