Bay County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Tappan, on about 32% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Londo and Selfridge come next.
About under 1% of the land drains well, and 92% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 96% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 94% 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 Bay County, Michigan, 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 Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Bay County, Michigan. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tappan loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 81K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Londo loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 32K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Selfridge loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Londo-Poseyville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tappan-Poseyville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belleville loamy sand | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone sand, Erie-Huron Lake Plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corunna-Tappan sandy loams | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquents, sandy and loamy | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone fine sand, loamy substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tobico fine sand | 6K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rousseau fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poseyville loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Essexville loamy sand | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Tappan complex | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Londo-Selfridge complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone-Tobico fine sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cohoctah loamy fine sand | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guelph-Menominee complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well 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 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.