Carroll County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Westmoreland, on about 29% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Coshocton and Berks come next.
About 80% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 12% of it.
USDA rates 81% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 67% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 16% 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 Carroll County, Ohio, 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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Carroll County, Ohio. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westmoreland-Coshocton silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 48K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Coshocton silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coshocton-Keene silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rigley sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks shaly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rigley sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebring silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenford silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orrville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coshocton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenford silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fitchville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tioga silt loam, occasionally flooded | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated |
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 67% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 81% 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.