Hillsdale County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Riddles, on about 9% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Fox and Blount come next.
About 50% of the land drains well, and 30% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 40% of it.
USDA rates 87% 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 Hillsdale 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 B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Hillsdale 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williamstown-Conover complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hillsdale-Riddles sandy loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glynwood-Blount complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 25K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blount loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox sandy loam, till plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Riddles sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hillsdale-Riddles sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morley loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox sandy loam, Huron Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wolcott silt loam | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Locke fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pewamo silt loam | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matherton loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Coloma sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not 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 87% 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.