Vinton County, Ohio
The most common soil here is Gilpin, on about 13% of the land: a channery silt loam, smooth, like flour. Germano and Wharton come next.
About 66% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates all of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 66% 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 Vinton 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 Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Vinton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelocta-Brownsville association, very steep | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Germano-Gilpin complex, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg-Gilpin association, very steep | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wharton-Latham silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wharton-Latham silt loams, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wharton-Latham silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Germano-Gilpin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Rarden silt loams, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Steinsburg-Gilpin association, steep | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Rarden silt loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Omulga silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Omulga silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Tarhollow complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Philo silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Rarden silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pope loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Germano-Gilpin complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, reclaimed | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Tarhollow complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stokly-Philo silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/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 95% 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 100% 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.