Hennepin County Soil Data
Hennepin County, Minnesota
Avg 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
Frequently 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.
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.