Jefferson County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Nauvoo, on about 26% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Montevallo and Fullerton come next.
About 92% of the land drains well, and 2% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 74% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 68% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 58% of it.
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 Jefferson 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 D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Jefferson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montevallo-Nauvoo association, 6 to 45 percent slopes | 264K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nauvoo-Montevallo association, 10 to 40 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palmerdale complex, steep | 33K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 27K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Townley-Nauvoo complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bodine-Birmingham association, steep | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bodine-Fullerton association, steep | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sullivan-State complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leesburg-Rock outcrop complex, steep | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullerton-Bodine complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Townley-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gorgas-Rock outcrop complex, steep | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tupelo-Urban land complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nauvoo fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nauvoo-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Decatur-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bodine-Fullerton-Urban land complex, steep | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | 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 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.