Lake County, Illinois
The most common soil here is Ozaukee, on about 21% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Markham and Ashkum come next.
About 6% of the land drains well, and 45% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 45% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 69% 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 Lake County, Illinois, 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Lake County, Illinois. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozaukee silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pella silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Markham silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markham silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montgomery silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beecher silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, undrained, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orthents, loamy, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grays and Markham silt loams, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nappanee silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beecher silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wauconda silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/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 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.