Baltimore County, Maryland
The most common soil here is Glenelg, on about 16% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Manor and Brinklow come next.
About 60% of the land drains well, and 9% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 16% of it.
USDA rates 69% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 44% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 13% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Baltimore County, Maryland, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Baltimore County, Maryland. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenelg loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Manor-Brinklow complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 8 percent | 15K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Manor loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brinklow channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Codorus silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenville silt loam, somewhat poorly drained, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenelg loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, highway, 0 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gaila loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Legore-Montalto-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.