Ector and Crane Counties, Texas
The most common soil here is Penwell, on about 14% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Kimbrough and Conger come next.
About 99% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 41% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 7% 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 Ector and Crane Counties, Texas, 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 D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Ector and Crane Counties, Texas. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penwell-Pyote association, undulating | 141K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kimbrough-Stegall association, nearly level | 127K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penwell-Dune land association, rolling | 88K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Faskin-Douro association, nearly level | 74K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ratliff association, nearly level | 70K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Holloman-Reeves association, nearly level | 65K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conger loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 64K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jalmar-Penwell association, undulating | 64K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wickett association, gently undulating | 59K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tencee association, undulating | 46K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upton-Reagan association, gently undulating | 45K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conger-Reagan association, nearly level | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reakor association, nearly level | 33K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Reagan silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kinco-Ima association, gently undulating | 30K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Faskin-Urban land complex | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kimbrough association, nearly level | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blakeney fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Patrole-Toyah association | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ratliff-Urban land complex | 8K | Well drained | B | Not 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 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 72% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.