Clare County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Clare County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graycalm sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 40K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Grayling sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 29K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Graycalm sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm loamy sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Saginaw Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lupton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markey muck | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menominee loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Croswell sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iosco-Kawkawlin complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kawkawlin loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Saginaw Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| McBride sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mancelona loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Roscommon mucky loamy sand | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Au Gres loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winterfield-Evart complex | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 31% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.