Cuyahoga County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Mahoning, on about 18% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ellsworth and Mitiwanga come next.
About 11% of the land drains well, and 44% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 73% of it.
USDA rates 65% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 63% 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 21% 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 Cuyahoga 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Cuyahoga 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahoning-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 24K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Mahoning complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mahoning silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Elnora complex, nearly level | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mahoning silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ellsworth-Urban land complex, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brecksville silt loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitiwanga silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitiwanga-Urban land compex, undulating | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Ellsworth silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Mitiwanga complex, undulating | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ellsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Condit silty clay loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cardinal-Mentor silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Oshtemo complex, undulating | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wadsworth silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin silt loam, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Loudonville-Urban land complex, rolling | 4K | Well drained | C | 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 63% 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 65% 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.