Muskegon County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Plainfield, on about 35% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Covert and Pipestone come next.
About 51% of the land drains well, and 34% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 44% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 47% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% 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 Muskegon 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 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 Muskegon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plainfield sand, lake plain, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 51K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 45K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pipestone-Covert-Saugatuck sands, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roscommon and Au Gres sands | 27K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Covert-Pipestone sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Nester-Ubly sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kerston muck | 11K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onekama loam, Lake Michigan Lobe, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, lake plain, 6 to 18 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield-Urban land complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Belding and Allendale soils, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tawas and Carlisle mucks | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Granby loamy sand, lake plain, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tonkey and Deford soils | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sloan soils | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saranac loam | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nester-Kawkawlin loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plainfield sand, high ecological site, 18 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively 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 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.