Baldwin County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Lakeland, on about 13% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Malbis and Cuthbert come next.
About 46% of the land drains well, and 32% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 33% of it.
USDA rates 86% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 41% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 24% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Baldwin County, Alabama, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Baldwin County, Alabama. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 92K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hyde, Bayboro, and Muck soils | 72K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 58K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wet clayey alluvial land | 49K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bowie, Lakeland, and Cuthbert soils, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 48K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wet loamy alluvial land | 41K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plummer loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 36K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malbis fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland loamy fine sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wadley loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urbo-Mooreville-Una complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 27K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bowie, Lakeland, and Cuthbert soils, 12 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Klej loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Malbis fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cuthbert, Bowie, and Sunsweet soils, 8 to 12 percent | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rains fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iuka silt loam | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.