Alachua County, Florida
The most common soil here is Millhopper, on about 8% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Pomona and Arredondo come next.
About 28% of the land drains well, and 49% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 78% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 48% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 3% 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 Alachua County, Florida, 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 Poorly 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 Alachua County, Florida. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pomona sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 57K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arredondo fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Millhopper sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 52K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 44K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Candler fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sparr fine sand | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Newnan sand | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tavares sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lake fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wauchula sand | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kendrick sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monteocha loamy sand | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lochloosa fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chipley sand | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jonesville-Cadillac-Bonneau complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lochloosa fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pomona sand, depressional | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pelham sand | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blichton sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | 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 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.