Anoka County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Zimmerman, on about 19% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Rifle and Isanti come next.
About 41% of the land drains well, and 48% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 48% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 53% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% 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 Anoka County, Minnesota, 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 Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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 Anoka County, Minnesota. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zimmerman fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 47K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rifle mucky peat | 39K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Isanti fine sandy loam | 24K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lino loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Markey muck, occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soderville fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sartell fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marsh | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zimmerman fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hubbard loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nymore loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nymore loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville muck | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zimmerman fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Heyder fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hubbard loamy sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Zimmerman complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Alluvial land, mixed, frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nymore loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat 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 53% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.