What this tracks
This dataset maps Tennessee’s soil types and their properties, including drainage, farmland quality, and vegetation cover.
Why it matters to you
If you’re buying land in Tennessee, this data tells you whether the soil drains well for building foundations or stays wet for crops. Farmers can check FARM to see if their field is prime farmland before planting. Homeowners planning gardens can use FROSTFREEDAYS to predict growing seasons. Developers can avoid flood risks by checking HYDRICRATING before breaking ground.
How to read this data
MUNAME — The soil type description, like “Arents, clayey, 2 to 12 percent slopes” (clay-heavy soil on mild hills).
DRAINAGECLASS — How quickly water filters through, with values like “Well drained” (good for basements) or “Poorly drained” (may need drainage systems).
FARM — Rates soil for crops: “Prime farmland” (best for agriculture) vs. “Not prime farmland” (better for other uses).
LCPRIMARY — Dominant vegetation, such as “Tree cover” (likely wooded areas) or “Shrubland” (may need clearing).
Where this leaves you
This dataset doesn’t let you look anything up by your address, but it’s still a window into how the state operates. Read it to understand the scope of the program and what the official records contain; the state’s own interactive map (linked on this page) shows the locations involved.