York County Soil Data
York County, Pennsylvania
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in York County, Pennsylvania
York's moderately acidic soil profile
York County's soil has a pH of 5.63, making it less acidic than the state average of 5.22 but still below the national 6.5 median. While specific taxonomic and texture classifications are currently unavailable for the dominant soil, the pH suggests a manageable chemical environment for most local crops.
Silt-heavy composition provides a smooth foundation
The soil is dominated by 51.2% silt and 30.0% sand, creating a silty mix that offers good workability and moisture retention. The 16.6% clay content adds necessary structure for holding essential plant nutrients against leaching.
Standard organic matter with good water storage
York’s organic matter sits at 2.43%, which is close to the national average of 2.0% but well below the state average of 12.14%. However, the available water capacity of 0.159 in/in slightly beats the state norm, ensuring plants have reliable access to moisture.
Navigating the county's unknown drainage
Formal records currently list the drainage class and hydrologic group for York as unavailable. Despite this data gap, the high silt and sand percentages typically suggest moderate permeability and decent drainage for most agricultural and residential uses.
Long seasons in Hardiness Zone 7a
York enjoys a warmer 7a hardiness zone, allowing for a longer growing season than much of the rest of Pennsylvania. This climate is ideal for heat-loving plants like peppers and tomatoes, so get outside and take advantage of the extra sun.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does York County have?
York County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 51% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is York County's soil acidic or alkaline?
York County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for York County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for York County.
What crops or plants grow well in York County's soil?
Based on York County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 York County?
The dominant USDA soil order for York County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: York County
Soil Verdict
York County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
York County is somewhat warmer than the Pennsylvania statewide average. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for York County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Pennsylvania
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.