Hennepin County Soil Data
Hennepin County, Minnesota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hennepin County, Minnesota
Balanced Acidity in the Metro Area
Hennepin County features a pH of 6.12, aligning closely with the Minnesota state average of 6.21. While it is slightly more acidic than the national 6.5 benchmark, it provides an excellent baseline for a wide variety of urban and suburban landscapes.
Sandy Texture Dominates the Profile
The soil is predominantly sand at 54.0%, which ensures the ground warms up quickly in the spring for earlier planting. A lower clay content of 13.8% means the soil is less prone to heavy compaction than other parts of the state.
High Organic Matter for City Gardens
With 8.85% organic matter, Hennepin County is nearing the high state average of 9.9%. This richness supports a water capacity of 0.183 in/in, creating a fertile foundation for backyard raised beds and community gardens.
Fast Drainage for Building and Landscaping
The high sand percentage means water drains rapidly, making this soil excellent for stable building foundations and preventing puddles. However, the 0.183 water capacity means that urban gardeners will need to water more frequently during the summer heat.
Extended Growing in Zone 5a
Hennepin County enjoys a slightly warmer climate in Zone 5a, perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and summer flowers. Grab some seeds and take advantage of this rich, high-organic soil to grow your own food this year.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Sandy Soil Detected
Sandy soils drain quickly and can dry out. These products boost water retention and organic matter.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hennepin County have?
Hennepin County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 29% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hennepin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hennepin County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Hennepin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hennepin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hennepin County's soil?
Based on Hennepin County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 6.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Hennepin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hennepin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hennepin County
Soil Verdict
Hennepin County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Hennepin County is somewhat warmer than the Minnesota statewide average. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hennepin County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Minnesota
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.