York County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Cecil, on about 26% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Wynott and Georgeville come next.
About 72% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 16% of it.
USDA rates 58% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 38% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 33% 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 York County, South Carolina, 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 York County, South Carolina. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 62K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wynott-Wilkes complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban Land-Cecil complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Pacolet sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynott-Winnsboro complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville-Badin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet sandy clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hard Labor sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brewback fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville silty clay loam, 2-6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Georgeville silty clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mecklenburg-Wynott complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hard Labor sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wynott-Winnsboro complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Somewhat 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 38% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 58% 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.