St. Lucie County, Florida
The most common soil here is Pineda, on about 11% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Riviera and Winder come next.
About 2% of the land drains well, and 89% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 86% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 89% 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.
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 St. Lucie 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 C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 St. Lucie 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pineda sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 49K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winder loamy sand | 37K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riviera fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nettles and Oldsmar sands | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wabasso sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waveland and Immokalee fine sands | 23K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waters of the Atlantic Ocean | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lawnwood and Myakka sands | 19K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riviera sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ankona and Farmton sands | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pepper and EauGallie sands | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chobee loamy sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Basinger sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Malabar fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pople sand | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Waveland-Lawnwood complex, depressional | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Floridana sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winder sand, frequently ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kesson-Terra Ceia complex, tidal | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/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 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.