Breckinridge and Meade Counties, Kentucky
The most common soil here is Rosine, on about 13% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Gilpin and Zanesville come next.
About 73% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 19% of it.
USDA rates 74% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 70% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 42% 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 Breckinridge and Meade Counties, Kentucky, 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 Breckinridge and Meade Counties, Kentucky. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosine-Gilpin-Lenberg complex, very rocky, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 68K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sadler silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 47K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosine-Gilpin-Lenberg complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Dekalb-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Hammack-Baxter complex, karst, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rosine-Gilpin-Lenberg complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 21K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Zanesville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosine silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Baxter very gravelly silt loam, karst, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zanesville silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fredonia-Crider complex, karst, rocky, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosine silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Varilla-Gilpin-Rock outcrop complex, very bouldery, 20 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Baxter very gravelly silt loam, karst, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.