Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The most common soil here is Hagerstown, on about 11% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Duffield and Manor come next.
About 82% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 8% of it.
USDA rates 52% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 30% 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.
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 Lancaster 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 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 Lancaster 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duffield silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chester silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 25K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glenelg silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Duffield silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manor very stony silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenelg silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ungers extremely stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Letort silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bucks silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manor silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bedington silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clarksburg silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silty clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 52% 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.