Grand Traverse County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Rubicon, on about 26% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Kalkaska and Emmet come next.
About 76% of the land drains well, and 13% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 16% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 30% 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 Grand Traverse 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 Excessively 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 Grand Traverse 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubicon sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 25K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 24K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kalkaska loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck, lake moderated snowy, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm-Kalkaska loamy sands, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Emmet sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Montcalm-Kalkaska loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lupton muck, snowy, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croswell-Rubicon sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rifle peat | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emmet sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Croswell loamy sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rubicon sand, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-Kalkaska loamy sands, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | 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 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.