Jefferson County, New York
The most common soil here is Galoo, on about 4% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Rhinebeck and Galway come next.
About 40% of the land drains well, and 35% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 56% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 78% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 35% 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 Jefferson County, New York, 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Jefferson County, New York. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 72K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Galoo-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benson-Galoo complex, very rocky, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farmington loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaumont silty clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hudson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhinebeck silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingsbury silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collamer silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex, frequently flooded | 18K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vergennes silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Galway silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilpoint silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhinebeck silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Covington silty clay | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newstead silt loam | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saprists and Aquents, ponded | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaumont silty clay, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Galway very stony silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C/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 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.