York County Soil Data
York County, Pennsylvania
Avg 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
Frequently 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.
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.