York County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 York County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chester silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 73K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Airy and Manor soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 49K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mt. Airy and Manor soils, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 44K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chester silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Penn silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn-Klinesville channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban land | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Codorus silt loam | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Airy and Manor soils, 25 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Airy and Manor soils, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mt. Airy and Manor soils, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Penn loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn-Klinesville channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neshaminy channery silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehigh channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rowland silt loam | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenville silt loam, somewhat poorly drained, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edgemont channery loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 80% 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.