Scott County, Minnesota
The most common soil here is Lester, on about 17% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Hayden and Webster come next.
About 51% of the land drains well, and 32% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 35% of it.
USDA rates 91% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 45% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% 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 Scott 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Scott 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webster-Glencoe silty clay loams | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Webster-Le Sueur silty clay loams | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lester loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Le Sueur-Lester complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glencoe clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alluvial land, frequent overflow, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marsh | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarion loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 10 to 22 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Steep land, Hayden-Lester materials | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hayden loam, 18 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Klossner muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayden loam, 10 to 22 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | 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 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.