Summit County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Chili, on about 14% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Canfield and Ellsworth come next.
About 29% of the land drains well, and 28% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 62% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 75% 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 4% 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 Summit 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 Summit 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 | 18K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chili-Urban land complex, undulating | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ellsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canfield-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chili loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rittman silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebring silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ellsworth silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wooster silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udorthents, sanitary landfill | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chili gravelly loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wooster silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadsworth silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cardinal-Mentor silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chili silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mahoning silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | 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 75% 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 93% 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.