Jefferson County, Oklahoma
The most common soil here is Zaneis, on about 26% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Pawhuska and Port come next.
About 94% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 60% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 25% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 20% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 28% 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 Jefferson County, Oklahoma, 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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Jefferson County, Oklahoma. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zaneis-Pawhuska complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 141K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Zaneis, Lucien, and Grainola soils, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 107K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Port-Oscar complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaddy fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Teller loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Zaneis loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kirkland silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minco loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stephenville-Darnell complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Miller clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirkland silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, warm | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minco loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stephenville and Littleaxe soils, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yahola fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Port and Pulaski soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, channeled | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Easpur loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Port silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dougherty loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Easpur loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | 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 25% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 60% 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.