Jackson County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Dubois, on about 6% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Brownstown and Haubstadt come next.
About 44% of the land drains well, and 34% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 52% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 90% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 26% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 19% 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 Jackson County, Indiana, 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 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 Jackson County, Indiana. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brownstown channery silt loam, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubois silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peoga silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Haubstadt silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilwood-Wrays silt loams, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gnawbone silt loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Genesee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Knobcreek-Crider-Gilwood silt loams, 6 to 18 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Armiesburg silty clay loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Birds silt loam, undrained, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bloomfield-Alvin complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bloomfield-Alvin complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Beanblossom silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, very brief duration | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stendal silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ayrshire fine sandy loam, sandy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cincinnati silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Birds silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, brief duration | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nabb silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dubois silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/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 90% 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 97% 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.