Hennepin County, Minnesota
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Hennepin County, Minnesota.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 32K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lester loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Angus loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hamel, overwash-Hamel complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cordova loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Hubbard complex, Mississippi River Valley, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Udipsamments (cut and fill land) complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Muskego and Houghton soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents, wet substratum, complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Malardi complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Lester complex, 2 to 18 percent slopes | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Muskego, Blue Earth, and Houghton soils, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents (cut and fill land) complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lester loam, 10 to 16 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lester-Kilkenny complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Glencoe clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nessel loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angus-Kilkenny complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Le Sueur loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, wet substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 57% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.