York County Soil Data
York County, South Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
0.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in York County, South Carolina
Typical acidity in York’s diverse landscape
York County's soil maintains a pH of 5.34, placing it slightly above the South Carolina average of 5.27. Like most of the state, this profile is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.
A mix of sand and heavy silt
The soil contains 55.1% sand, 24.1% silt, and 15.0% clay. The higher silt content compared to neighboring counties provides a smoother texture and better nutrient-holding capacity than purely sandy soils.
Low organic matter with superior water storage
Organic matter is low at 0.76%, falling well behind the state average of 2.05%. However, the soil excels in water storage, with an available water capacity of 0.138 in/in that ranks highly against the state average of 0.115.
Drainage specifics remain unclassified
There is currently no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group listed for York County in the primary data. The balanced sand and silt levels suggest moderate drainage, but local site testing is recommended for any major construction or farming projects.
Gardening in the heart of zone 8a
York County is well-suited for hardy vegetables and perennial flowers that can handle the regional acidity. To boost the low 0.76% organic matter, residents should mix in compost or leaf mold to create a flourishing home garden.
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 5.3. 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 Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 24% silt, and 15% 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 low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
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 Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 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 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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. 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.
Regional Context
York County closely matches the South Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for York County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in South Carolina
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.