Cabarrus County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Enon, on about 13% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Cecil and Badin come next.
About 77% of the land drains well, and 9% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 18% of it.
USDA rates 71% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 32% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 24% 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 Cabarrus County, North Carolina, 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 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 Cabarrus County, North Carolina. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enon sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cullen clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mecklenburg loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Badin channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Enon sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kirksey silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Poindexter loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Misenheimer channery silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Goldston very channery silt loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iredell loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarrus silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Poindexter loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cullen clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil-Urban land complex, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mecklenburg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | 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
About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.