Hancock County Soil Data
Hancock County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hancock County, Mississippi
Highly Acidic Coastal Soil
Hancock County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.93. This is significantly lower than the national 6.5 median and also below the 5.30 Mississippi state average.
Sand and Silt Dominance
The soil is composed of 59.7% sand and 30.0% silt, creating a light and easily tilled landscape. With only 10.3% clay, the soil offers excellent drainage but may lack the mineral richness found in heavier clay soils.
Rich Organic Coastal Matter
The county has a strong organic matter content of 2.27%, exceeding both state and national averages. Despite this, the available water capacity is 0.138 in/in, which is lower than the state average due to the high sand content.
Excellent Coastal Drainage
While specific drainage and taxonomic data are unavailable, the sand-heavy profile indicates very high permeability. This helps the ground dry out quickly after coastal storms, making it stable for various land uses.
Semi-Tropical Zone 9a
In Hardiness Zone 9a, Hancock County gardeners can grow semi-tropical plants and citrus. Focus on heat-tolerant species that thrive in the county's naturally sandy and acidic conditions.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hancock County have?
Hancock County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 60% sand, 30% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hancock County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hancock County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Hancock County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hancock County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hancock County's soil?
Based on Hancock County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Hancock County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hancock County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hancock County
Soil Verdict
Hancock County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 20°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal 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
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
Hancock County is somewhat warmer than the Mississippi statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hancock County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Mississippi
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.