Kent County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Filer, on about 9% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Spinks and Chelsea come next.
About 53% of the land drains well, and 29% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 30% of it.
USDA rates 87% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 44% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% 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 Kent 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Kent 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filer loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Spinks complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Filer loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chelsea loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Capac loam, Lake Michigan lobe, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blount loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marlette loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chelsea loamy fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cohoctah loam | 12K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Perrinton complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tekenink fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Owosso-Marlette sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Glendora loamy sand | 9K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes, spodic minor component | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Filer loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oakville fine sand, cool, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | 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 44% 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
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.