Oakland County, Michigan
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Oakland County, Michigan.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houghton and Adrian mucks | 48K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlette sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 30K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Marlette sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo-Boyer loamy sands, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Capac sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Riddles sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban land-Spinks complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fox sandy loam, till plain, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Oshtemo-Boyer loamy sands, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Marlette complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Aquents, sandy, loamy, undulating | 14K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riddles sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Oshtemo-Boyer loamy sands, 12 to 40 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Blount-Lenawee complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fox sandy loam, Huron Lobe, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spinks loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Thetford complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 66% 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.