Jackson and Mason Counties, West Virginia
The most common soil here is Gilpin, on about 25% of the land: a channery silt loam, smooth, like flour. Upshur and Peabody come next.
About 89% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 91% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 67% 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 Jackson and Mason Counties, West Virginia, 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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Jackson and Mason Counties, West Virginia. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilpin-Peabody silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 91K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peabody-Gilpin silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 77K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sensabaugh loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coolville and Tilsit soils, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Peabody-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moshannon silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peabody-Gilpin silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, smoothed-urban land complex | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Omulga silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sensabaugh loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very 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 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.