Oakland County, Michigan
The most common soil here is Marlette, on about 13% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Spinks and Riddles come next.
About 50% of the land drains well, and 28% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 30% of it.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 36% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% 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 Oakland 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 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 Oakland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 72% 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.