Hidalgo County, Texas
The most common soil here is Hidalgo, on about 19% of the land: a sandy clay loam, gritty but holds together. Brennan and Nueces come next.
About 66% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 32% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 27% 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.
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 Hidalgo 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Hidalgo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hidalgo sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 134K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brennan fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 87K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nueces fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 72K | Moderately well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hidalgo fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 60K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| McAllen fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nueces-Sarita complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 54K | Moderately well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Delmita-Randado complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harlingen clay | 48K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raymondville clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delfina loamy fine sand, warm, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Willacy fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hebbronville sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Hidalgo-Urban land complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Runn silty clay | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brennan fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Racombes sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Delmita and Bruni soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sarita fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cuevitas-Randado complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Comitas loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Not 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 27% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 32% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.