Hill County Soil Data
Hill County, Montana
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hill County, Montana
Balanced Chemistry on the Hi-Line
Hill County boasts a pH of 7.23, which is more neutral than the Montana average of 7.43. While still above the national median of 6.5, this profile is highly favorable for the region's productive agricultural industry.
Sand-Rich Soils Offer Great Workability
The soil is comprised of 40.0% sand, 31.8% silt, and 24.5% clay. This high sand content provides excellent drainage and makes the soil easier to work with than the heavy clay found in neighboring regions.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
With an organic matter content of 4.33%, Hill County far exceeds the state average of 2.54% and the national average of 2.0%. This rich biological foundation earns the county an impressive overall soil score of 55.0.
Efficient Water Management Potential
While dominant drainage classes are not specifically listed, the 40% sand content typically indicates well-drained conditions. This structure helps prevent waterlogging, making it ideal for the county's famous wheat and pulse crop production.
Hardy Growing in Zone 3b
The 3b hardiness zone requires tough, frost-hardy plants like spring wheat, flax, and cold-season vegetables. Leverage your high-quality soil to grow a bumper crop of nutrient-dense greens and roots.
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
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hill County have?
Hill County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 32% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hill County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hill County's soil has a pH of 7.2, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Hill County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hill County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hill County's soil?
Based on Hill County's Loam texture, pH of 7.2, 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 Hill County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hill County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hill County
Soil Verdict
Hill County is in USDA hardiness zone 3b, a very cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -35°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. 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
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Hill County is somewhat cooler than the Montana statewide average. The zone range of 3b-4a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hill County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Montana
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.