Taylor County, Texas
The most common soil here is Sagerton, on about 16% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Oplin and Rotan come next.
About 93% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 51% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Taylor 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Taylor 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sagerton clay loam, moist, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oplin-Rock outcrop complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sagerton clay loam, moist, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oplin-Kavett complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rotan clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tobosa clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rowena clay loam, dry, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tillman clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colorado loam, moist, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oplin-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | D | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Vernon clay, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gageby clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hamby fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shep loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oplin-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pitzer-Weymouth complex 1 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tobosa clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knoco-Badland complex, 1 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shep loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Miles fine sandy loam, moist, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat 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 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.