Clare County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Graycalm, on about 18% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Montcalm and Grayling come next.
About 62% of the land drains well, and 29% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 32% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 37% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% 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 Clare 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 Clare 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 37% 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.