Lake County, Indiana
The most common soil here is Ozaukee, on about 13% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Pewamo and Rensselaer come next.
About 22% of the land drains well, and 56% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 58% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 77% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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, 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 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 Lake 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land | 36K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pewamo silty clay loam | 28K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rensselaer loam, sandy substratum | 24K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markham silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount silt loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maumee loamy fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilford fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milford silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, overwash | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oakville fine sand, lake moderated, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watseka loamy fine sand | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oakville-Adrian complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Houghton muck, drained, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bono silty clay | 5K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alida loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Milford silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | 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 77% 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 85% 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.