Bay County Soil Data
Bay County, Florida
Avg pH
4.8
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bay County, Florida
Typical Florida acidity in Bay
Bay County’s soil averages a pH of 4.78, which aligns closely with the Florida state average of 4.88. This level is far more acidic than the national median of 6.5, characteristic of the coastal Panhandle.
High sand for coastal drainage
The soil is 84.9% sand, 4.9% silt, and 3.0% clay, creating a very porous medium. This composition allows water to move through the profile quickly, which is vital during heavy coastal rain events.
Lean soils with low moisture
With 5.08% organic matter, Bay County soils are leaner than the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity is also lower at 0.086 in/in, meaning plants will require more frequent watering during dry spells.
Managing coastal water flow
While specific drainage classes are not available in this dataset, the high sand percentage suggests naturally rapid drainage. This is beneficial for building foundations but requires builders to be mindful of local water tables.
Zone 9a coastal gardening
Bay County sits in Hardiness Zone 9a, supporting a wide range of native palms and salt-tolerant species. Start your garden by adding compost to help retain moisture in these sandy, fast-draining soils.
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: Loamy Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bay County have?
Bay County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 85% sand, 5% silt, and 3% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bay County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bay County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Bay County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bay County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bay County's soil?
Based on Bay County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.8, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Bay County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bay County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bay County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Florida
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.