Mobile County, Alabama
The most common soil here is Wadley, on about 16% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Heidel and Benndale come next.
About 51% of the land drains well, and 25% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 70% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 47% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 21% 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 Mobile 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 Somewhat excessively 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 Mobile 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wadley loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 50K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wadley-Heidel complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 47K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Maubila-Olla-Rattlesnake Forks complex, 8 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 47K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadley-Heidel complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johnston, Bibb and Pamlico soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 36K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 31K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Heidel fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Stallings (gulf)-Bayou complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Wadley-Heidel complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Benndale-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Johnston, Pamlico and Dorovan soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatom-Toinette-Rutan complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadley loamy fine sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Wadley-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Chowan-Maurepas-Levy complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 15K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bama fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rattlesnake Forks-Blanton complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Heidel fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not 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 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.