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Moving to Yemassee, South Carolina

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Yemassee is a small city located in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina with a population of around 2,000 people. It is situated in the eastern part of Hampton County, about 25 miles west of Beaufort. The city is located on the banks of the Combahee River and is surrounded by marshlands and forests. Yemassee has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

The city has a rich history that dates back to 1698 when it was founded by the Yemassee Indians. During the Revolutionary War, Yemassee was attacked by British forces but remained loyal to the American cause. In 1853, it became an incorporated town and by 1895 had its own police force. Today, Yemassee operates as a small town governed by a mayor and four council members elected from each district in town.

Yemassee’s economy is mainly based on agriculture, forestry, tourism, and retail businesses in downtown. The city also has several manufacturing companies that produce paper products, wood furniture, and clothing for local markets.

Education in Yemassee is provided by two public schools – Yemasse Elementary School and Yemasse High School – as well as private schools such as St. Francis Catholic School. There are also several higher education institutions nearby including Technical College of the Lowcountry and University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB).

Amongst its many landmarks are historic churches such as St John’s Episcopal Church which was built in 1854; Fort Watson which dates back to 1780; and the National Register listed sites like Combahee Ferry Historic District which includes buildings from 1800s to early 1900s; Magnolia Cemetery; Old Town Hall; Old Bank Building; Old Post Office; Old Jail Complex; Old Fire House/City Hall Annex Building; Old City Jail/City Hall Annex Building . There are also two museums – The Lowcountry History Museum at USCB Campus and The Hampton County Museum – for visitors to explore local history.

Population: 807. Estimated population in July 2024: 839 (+4.0% change)
Males: 360 (44.6%), Females: 447 (55.4%)

Hampton County

Zip code: 29945

Demographics

Median resident age: 32.7 years
Median household income: $24,868
Median house value: $70,600

Population by Race

Races in Yemassee:

  • Black (55.4%)
  • White Non-Hispanic (42.4%)
  • Hispanic (0.9%)
  • Two or more races (0.7%)
  • Filipino (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (11.5%), German (4.7%), Irish (4.2%), English (3.6%).

Elevation: 25 feet

Land area: 4.5 square miles

Population by Education

Yemassee, South Carolina is a small town located in the Lowcountry region of the state. According to the 2010 census, the population of Yemassee was 1,027 people. The majority of the population is white (65%), followed by African American (31%) and Hispanic/Latino (3%). The median age of Yemassee residents is 41.7 years old.

The cost of living in Yemassee is slightly lower than the national average. For example, housing costs are about 10% lower than average and utilities are about 6% lower than average. Groceries and health care costs are comparable to national averages. Transportation costs are slightly higher due to limited public transportation options in this small town; however, most residents own their own vehicles or have access to other forms of transportation such as bicycles or walking paths. Overall, Yemassee provides an affordable option for those looking for a small-town lifestyle without breaking their budget.

For population 25 years and over in Yemassee

  • High school or higher: 66.2%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.0%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.7%
  • Unemployed: 5.6%
  • Mean travel time to work: 35.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Yemassee town

  • Never married: 27.4%
  • Now married: 46.1%
  • Separated: 3.9%
  • Widowed: 15.5%
  • Divorced: 7.1%

2.4% Foreign born (1.2% Asia, 0.9% Latin America, 0.2% Europe).

Population change in the 1990s: +77 (+10.5%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Yemassee:

  • HAMPTON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 17 miles; VARNVILLE, SC)
  • COLLETON MEDICAL CENTER (about 19 miles; WALTERBORO, SC)
  • BEAUFORT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; BEAUFORT, SC)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Yemassee:

  • BEAUFORT MCAS /MERRITT FIELD/ (about 19 miles; BEAUFORT, SC; Abbreviation: NBC)
  • HILTON HEAD (about 35 miles; HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC; Abbreviation: HXD)
  • SAVANNAH/HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL (about 47 miles; SAVANNAH, GA; Abbreviation: SAV)

Other public-use airports nearest to Yemassee:

  • RIDGELAND (about 18 miles; RIDGELAND, SC; Abbreviation: 3J1)
  • HAMPTON-VARNVILLE (about 19 miles; HAMPTON, SC; Abbreviation: 3J0)
  • LOWCOUNTRY RGNL (about 22 miles; WALTERBORO, SC; Abbreviation: RBW)

Amtrak station:
YEMASSEE (MAIN ST.). Services: enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for taxi service.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Yemassee:

  • SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 52 miles; ORANGEBURG, SC; Full-time enrollment: 3,971)
  • SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN (about 52 miles; SAVANNAH, GA; Full-time enrollment: 4,565)
  • ARMSTRONG ATLANTIC STATE UNIVERSITY (about 55 miles; SAVANNAH, GA; Full-time enrollment: 3,945)
  • TRIDENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 58 miles; CHARLESTON, SC; Full-time enrollment: 5,925)
  • CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY (about 60 miles; CHARLESTON, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,191)
  • MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA (about 63 miles; CHARLESTON, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,162)
  • COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON (about 64 miles; CHARLESTON, SC; Full-time enrollment: 9,756)

Public primary/middle school in Yemassee:

  • FENNELL ELEMENTARY (Students: 315; Location: 131 YEMASSEE HIGHWAY; Grades: PK – 06)

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