Sussex County, Delaware
The most common soil here is Rosedale, on about 7% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Hurlock and Pepperbox come next.
About 29% of the land drains well, and 33% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 36% of it.
USDA rates 77% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 50% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% 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 Sussex County, Delaware, 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 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 Sussex County, Delaware. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 118K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mullica-Berryland complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 40K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pepperbox-Rosedale complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurlock loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosedale loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Klej loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 15K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ingleside loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurlock sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pepperbox loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mullica mucky sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Longmarsh and Indiantown soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fort Mott-Henlopen complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fort Mott loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hambrook sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Transquaking and Mispillion soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downer loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | 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 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.