Hancock County, Mississippi
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Hancock County, Mississippi.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atmore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 38K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poarch fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Handsboro association | 22K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithton association, frequently flooded | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithton fine sandy loam, frequently flooded | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Escambia loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beauregard silt loam | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harleston fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Guyton silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saucier fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poarch fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Smithton fine sandy loam | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arkabutla-Rosebloom association, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saucier fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Escambia loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saucier-Susquehanna complex, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Harleston fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poarch fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Poarch fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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 97% 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.