Hamilton County Soil Data
Hamilton County, Ohio
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hamilton County, Ohio
Neutral Ground in Hamilton County
Hamilton County’s soil averages a pH of 6.33, placing it very close to the national median of 6.5. This represents a much more neutral profile than the state average of 5.97, which is a major advantage for local gardeners.
Silt-Heavy Urban Soils
The soil contains 54.3% silt and 23.8% clay, the highest clay percentage among these eight counties. This mix is supplemented by 21.9% sand, resulting in a soil that is very effective at retaining nutrients but can be heavy to work.
Water Retention vs. Organic Matter
Organic matter is relatively low at 1.77%, falling below both the state and national averages. However, the available water capacity is high at 0.196 in/in, ensuring that the soil holds onto moisture effectively for your plants.
Solid Soil Performance
Hamilton County has a soil score of 63.1, which is just below the Ohio state average of 66.0. While local drainage classes are unlisted in this data, the high water capacity suggests the soil handles moisture well despite lower organic levels.
Urban Gardening in Zone 6b
Hamilton County's Zone 6b climate is perfect for everything from backyard vegetables to ornamental landscapes. Adding compost will help boost the low organic matter and unlock the full potential of your neutral-pH soil.
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: Silt 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 Hamilton County have?
Hamilton County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 54% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hamilton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hamilton County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Hamilton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hamilton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hamilton County's soil?
Based on Hamilton County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.3, 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 Hamilton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hamilton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hamilton County
Soil Verdict
Hamilton County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Hamilton County closely matches the Ohio average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hamilton County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Ohio
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.