Mahoning County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Canfield, on about 10% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Mahoning and Ellsworth come next.
About 16% of the land drains well, and 47% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 71% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% 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 5% 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 Mahoning 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 Moderately well 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 Mahoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canfield silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ravenna silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ellsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebring silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trumbull silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland silt loam | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Remsen silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bogart loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rittman silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rittman-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Geeburg silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frenchtown silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadsworth-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint channery silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Jimtown loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, loamy, 2 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chili-Urban land complex, undulating | 4K | Well drained | A | Not 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 86% 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 96% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.