Maricopa County, Arizona, Central Part
The most common soil here is Gilman, on about 14% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Laveen and Antho come next.
About 90% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 34% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 15% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 11% 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 Maricopa County, Arizona, Central Part, 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 Aridisols — dry-climate soils with limited organic matter and often calcium carbonate accumulation. 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 Maricopa County, Arizona, Central Part. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilman loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 100K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rock outcrop-Cherioni complex | 81K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Laveen loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 76K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gunsight-Rillito complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 41K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cherioni-Rock outcrop complex | 38K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Antho sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Mohall clay loam | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Antho association | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Antho-Carrizo complex, 0 to 3 percent | 29K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Not limited |
| Estrella loam | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harqua-Gunsight complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Avondale clay loam | 22K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenbar clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilman fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilman-Antho association | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mohall loam MLRA 40 | 19K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Laveen sandy loam | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Carrizo and Brios soils | 17K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gunsight-Pinal complex, 1 to 10 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gilman loam, saline-alkali | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 34% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.