George County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is McLaurin, on about 16% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Benndale and Susquehanna come next.
About 53% of the land drains well, and 33% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 33% of it.
USDA rates 65% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 49% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 25% 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 George County, Mississippi, 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 B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 George County, Mississippi. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorovan-Johnston association | 33K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mooreville, Jena and Urbo soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 29K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Susquehanna-Benndale complex, 12 to 17 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadley loamy fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urbo-Mooreville-Una complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Benndale complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lucedale sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lenoir silt loam | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Susquehanna complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadley-Heidel complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Atmore fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harleston fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cahaba fine sandy loam, 12 to 17 percent slopes (smithdale) | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wadley loamy fine sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes (heidel) | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 65% 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.