Denver County Soil Data
Denver County, Colorado
Avg pH
7.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Denver County, Colorado
Alkaline Urban Soils in the Mile High City
Denver's soil is notably alkaline with an average pH of 7.26. This exceeds the national median of 6.5 and aligns closely with Colorado’s statewide average of 7.29.
A Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt
The ground consists of 47.0% sand, 31.7% silt, and 21.3% clay. This loamy mixture offers moderate workability but requires careful management to prevent compaction in high-traffic urban settings.
High Water Retention Despite Lower Organic Matter
At 1.52%, organic matter is lower than the national 2.0% average and the state’s 2.18%. However, the available water capacity of 0.159 in/in beats the state average of 0.139, showing a strong ability to hold moisture.
Stronger Performance Than the State Average
While specific drainage classes are unavailable, Denver earns a total soil score of 36.5. This outpaces the Colorado average score of 31.3, indicating relatively better local conditions for cultivation.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 6a
Hardiness zone 6a supports a variety of resilient perennials and urban vegetable gardens. With proper organic amendments to lower the pH, your Denver garden can thrive despite the alkaline baseline.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Denver County have?
Denver County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 32% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Denver County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Denver County's soil has a pH of 7.3, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Denver County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Denver County.
What crops or plants grow well in Denver County's soil?
Based on Denver County's Loam texture, pH of 7.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Denver County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Denver County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Denver County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Colorado
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.