Richmond County, Georgia
The most common soil here is Troup, on about 26% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Lakeland and Orangeburg come next.
About 73% of the land drains well, and 16% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 16% of it.
USDA rates 48% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 24% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 19% 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 Richmond County, Georgia, 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 Somewhat excessively 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 Richmond County, Georgia. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troup fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bibb and Osier soils | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Troup fine sand, 10 to 17 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Troup fine sand, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vaucluse-Ailey complex, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Vaucluse-Ailey complex, 8 to 17 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chewacla-Riverview association | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup-Urban land complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Riverview silt loam | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lucy loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla-Chastain association | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dogue fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ailey loamy sand, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fuquay-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orangeburg sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | 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
About 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 48% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.