Hemphill County, Texas
The most common soil here is Springer, on about 22% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Dreyfoos and Mobeetie come next.
About 96% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 67% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 28% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 6% 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 Hemphill County, 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 A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Hemphill County, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dreyfoos fine sand, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 87K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Springer loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 71K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mobeetie-Likes complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Slapout-Laverne loams, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Springer fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Springer fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grandfield fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lincoln soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bukreek loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mobeetie-Veal-Potter complex, 3 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berda and Mansker loams, 3 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Springer fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Riverwash sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | A | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Grandfield fine sandy loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bukreek loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rough broken land | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sweetwater silty clay loam, saline, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miles loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Potter soils, 3 to 20 percent slopes, cool | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Likes-Tascosa complex, 3 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | 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 28% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 67% 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.