Stone County, Mississippi
The most common soil here is McLaurin, on about 19% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Smithdale and Benndale come next.
About 59% of the land drains well, and 24% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 15% of it.
USDA rates 67% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 38% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 22% 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 Stone 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 Stone 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Smithton fine sandy loam, frequently flooded | 25K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, undulating | 24K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Harleston fine sandy loam, occasionally flooded | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, undulating | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Susquehanna silt loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saucier fine sandy loam, undulating | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Susquehanna silt loam, undulating | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithdale fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, 5 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Benndale fine sandy loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Smithton-Harleston association, occasionally flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johnston and Croatan soils, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jena-Nugent complex, frequently flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poarch fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Malbis fine sandy loam, undulating | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saucier-Susquehanna association, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| McLaurin fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not 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 38% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 67% 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.