Delaware County, Pennsylvania
The most common soil here is Gladstone, on about 12% of the land: a gravelly loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Glenelg and Glenville come next.
About 62% of the land drains well, and 7% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 14% of it.
USDA rates 78% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 27% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% 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 Delaware County, Pennsylvania, 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Delaware County, Pennsylvania. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Urban land-Wheaton complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Wheaton complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talleyville-Urban land-Anthropic Udorthents complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, gravelly sand substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glenelg channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Wheaton complex, schist and gneiss, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Manor loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gaila silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hatboro silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talleyville-Delanco complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pineyneck-Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Greenbelt complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land, schist and gneiss, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glenelg channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Neshaminy silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manor loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | 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 27% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 78% 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.