La Porte County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Tracy, on about 16% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Gilford and Elston come next.
About 45% of the land drains well, and 46% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 47% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 54% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% 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 La Porte 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 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 La Porte 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilford fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 42K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tracy sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elston loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tracy sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bourbon sandy loam | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coupee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sebewa loam, shaly sand substratum | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tracy sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hanna sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maumee loamy fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riddles loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blount silt loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brems fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinhook loam | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chelsea fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tyner loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elston loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Riddles loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chelsea fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Histosols and Aquolls | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/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 54% 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.