Leslie and Perry Counties, Kentucky
The most common soil here is Shelocta, on about 24% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Gilpin and Marrowbone come next.
About 99% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 26% of it.
USDA rates 99% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 99% 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, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 79% 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 Leslie and Perry 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 B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Leslie and Perry 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelocta-Cutshin-Gilpin complex, 20 to 75 percent slopes, very stony | 134K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matewan-Marrowbone-Latham complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky | 126K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Highsplint-Gilpin complex, 20 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 115K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint and Bethesda soils, 2 to 70 percent slopes, benched, stony | 65K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint soils, undulating | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land-Grigsby complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grigsby fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nelse, frequently flooded-Urban land, rarely flooded complex, 4 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dumps, mine and tailings | 767 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Combs silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 731 | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rowdy-Grigsby complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 654 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dam | 190 | Not rated | Not rated |
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 99% 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 99% 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.