Northampton County, Pennsylvania
The most common soil here is Berks, on about 13% of the land: a channery loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Washington and Gladstone come next.
About 60% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 15% of it.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 54% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 27% 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 Northampton 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 Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Northampton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berks-Weikert complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Duffield complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Washington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents, limestone complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Comly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Washington silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Berks-Weikert complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allenwood silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Berks complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very bouldery | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes, very bouldery | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swartswood gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holly silt loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, limestone, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Conotton gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not 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 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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.