Salt Lake County Soil Data
Salt Lake County, Utah
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
N/A
Texture
Unknown
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
N/A
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Salt Lake County, Utah
Urban soils with a lakebed history
Specific pH data is unmapped, but the valley floor typically shows higher alkalinity than the 6.5 national median. This legacy of the ancient Lake Bonneville leaves behind a mineral-heavy foundation.
Texture varies across the valley floor
Sand and clay percentages are not currently recorded in the county-wide database. Urban gardeners often find a mix of heavy clays near the lake and gravelly loams along the benches.
Amending soil for urban abundance
Local organic matter stats are missing, making the 7.59% state average a useful benchmark for your garden's health. Adding compost is the best way to improve water capacity in this high-desert environment.
Managing runoff in a developed landscape
Drainage classes remain uncatalogued, which makes site-specific checks important before building or planting. Ensuring water moves away from foundations is a priority in the valley's varied terrain.
Longer seasons in a warm Zone 7b
This urban heat island supports a wide variety of plants, from tomatoes to delicate herbs. Take advantage of the mild fall to keep your garden producing well into October.
Soil Composition
Composition data not available for this county.
Soil pH
pH data not available for this county.
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: Unknown
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 Salt Lake County have?
Salt Lake County's soil is classified as Unknown. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — sand percentage unavailable, silt percentage unavailable, and clay percentage unavailable. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Salt Lake County's soil acidic or alkaline?
pH data is not available for Salt Lake County.
What is the drainage class for Salt Lake County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Salt Lake County.
What crops or plants grow well in Salt Lake County's soil?
Based on Salt Lake County's Unknown texture, soil pH, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for a variety of crops depending on local conditions.
What USDA soil order is found in Salt Lake County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Salt Lake County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Salt Lake County
Soil Verdict
Salt Lake County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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
Salt Lake County is somewhat warmer than the Utah statewide average. The zone range of 6a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Salt Lake County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Utah
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.