Houston County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Dothan, on about 25% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Troup and Orangeburg come next.
About 71% of the land drains well, and 20% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 21% of it.
USDA rates 74% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 26% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Houston 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Houston 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 79K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Troup-Bonifay complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Bibb, Osier, and Kinston soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 31K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nankin-Cowarts complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Dothan complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Varina sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clarendon loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pansey fine sandy loam, depressional | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Red Bay sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Troup-Lucy complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Faceville fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dorovan, Byars and Grady soils, ponded | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grady-Byars complex, depressional | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup-Bonifay complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Mantachie, Iuka, and Kinston soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat 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 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.