Pike County, Illinois
The most common soil here is Menfro, on about 15% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Winfield and Wakeland come next.
About 42% of the land drains well, and 33% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 33% of it.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 58% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 32% 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 Pike 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Pike 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winfield silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 43K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Winfield silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wakeland silt loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaucoup silty clay loam, cool mesic, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 21K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downsouth silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Stookey and Timula soils, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coffeen silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Goss gravelly silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Titus silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silty clay loam, 10 to 18 percent slopes, severely eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Baylis silt loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goss gravelly silt loam, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menfro silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stookey and Timula soils, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caseyville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elsah gravelly loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | 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 58% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.