Lorain County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Mahoning, on about 37% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Trumbull and Miner come next.
About 4% of the land drains well, and 85% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 90% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 96% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 7% 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 Lorain 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 Lorain 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 silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 89K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning-Tiro silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miner silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trumbull silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haskins loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orrville silt loam | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning-Tiro silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fitchville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lobdell silt loam | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ellsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mitiwanga silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allis silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Luray silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ellsworth silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lorain silty clay loam | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miner silty clay loam, shale substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mermill loam | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fitchville silt loam, low terrace, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly 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 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.