Ramsey County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Kingsley, on about 8% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Zimmerman and Udorthents come next.
About 22% of the land drains well, and 12% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 14% of it.
USDA rates 31% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 19% 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, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% of it.
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 Ramsey 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 Ramsey 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Kingsley complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Zimmerman complex, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udorthents, wet substratum | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Chetek complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Hayden-Kingsley complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Waukegan complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Waukegan complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Zimmerman fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seelyeville muck | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayden fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rifle muck | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kingsley sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Lino complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Copaston complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chetek sandy loam, 12 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chaska silt loam | 1K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aquolls and histosols, ponded | 1K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lino loamy fine sand | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 31% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.