Livingston County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Wawasee, on about 16% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Boyer and Carlisle come next.
About 62% of the land drains well, and 32% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 95% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 45% 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 Livingston 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 Livingston 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wawasee loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Conover loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wawasee loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Owosso-Miami sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boyer-Oshtemo loamy sands, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Boyer-Oshtemo loamy sands, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spinks-Oakville loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fox sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gilford sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, gravelly subsoil | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookston loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox-Boyer complex, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami-Conover loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fox sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fox-Boyer complex, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Miami loam, 12 to 18 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hillsdale sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | 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 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.