Leelanau County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Leelanau, on about 14% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Kaleva and East Lake come next.
About 77% of the land drains well, and 11% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 14% of it.
USDA rates 88% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 48% 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 Leelanau 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 Leelanau 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaleva sand, 18 to 35 percent slopes | 15K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton-Markey mucks | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaleva sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands, 18 to 25 percent slopes, lake moderated | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kalkaska-East Lake loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes, lake moderated | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands, 12 to 18 percent slopes, lake moderated | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mancelona-East Lake loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes, lake moderated | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Deer Park sand, 18 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eastport sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Omena sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Leelanau complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| East Lake loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, lake moderated | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Leelanau complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dune land | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kaleva sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Emmet-Omena sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | 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 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.