Denver County Area, Colorado
The most common soil here is Elyria, on about 13% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Racas and Ciancio come next.
About 46% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 35% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 9% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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 Denver County Area, Colorado, 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Denver County Area, Colorado. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land-Ciancio-Englewood complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Elyria-Denver complex, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Urban land-Elyria-Racas complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not rated | Very limited |
| Urban land-Milehigh complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Elyria-Milehigh complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Very limited | ||
| Urban land-Altitude complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Elyria-Ascalon complex, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Urban land-Globeville-Southplatte complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Elyria-Ascalon complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Urban land-Elyria-Weld complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Very limited | ||
| Urban land-Elyria complex, 0 to 9 percent slopes | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Denver-Racas complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Not rated | Very limited |
| Urban land-Elyria family-Weld complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | C | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Urban land-Racas-Rosegulch complex, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Weld-Racas complex, 3 to 9 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Not rated | Very limited |
| Urban land-Elyria-Ascalon complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Urban land-Elyria-Altitude complex, transportation corridor, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 1K | Not rated | Very limited | ||
| Urban land-Greenvalley-Vona complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | Not limited | Not rated | |
| Urban land-Vona-Elyria complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat limited | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Ascalon-Elyria complex, 5 to 9 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Not rated | Not rated |
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 35% 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.