Will County, Illinois
The most common soil here is Elliott, on about 15% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ashkum and Ozaukee come next.
About 12% of the land drains well, and 66% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 66% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 74% 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 Will 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Will 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 84K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 72K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beecher silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markham silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Varna silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Graymont silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elpaso silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Blount silt loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pella silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frankfort silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bryce silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dunham silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenoa silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frankfort silty clay loam, 4 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orthents, loamy, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Warsaw silt loam, 2 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not 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 74% 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 97% 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.