Charlevoix County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Emmet, on about 17% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Leelanau and Kalkaska come next.
About 66% of the land drains well, and 24% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 90% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 50% 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 Charlevoix 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Charlevoix 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 24K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kalkaska-Leelanau association, undulating | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Tawas-Carbondale association | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roscommon sand | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alpena, Kiva, and East Lake soils | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emmet sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska-Leelanau association, hilly | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbondale muck | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emmet sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-Rubicon loamy sands, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska-Leelanau association, rolling | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-Emmet association, hilly | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Onaway sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-Rubicon loamy sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mancelona loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-Rubicon loamy sands, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-Emmet association, rolling | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Belding-Breckenridge sandy loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton muck | 4K | 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 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 90% 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.