Clay County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Evard, on about 9% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Junaluska and Cowee come next.
About 93% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 59% 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 Clay 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 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 Clay 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evard-Cowee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soco-Stecoah complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville-Chestnut complex, high precipitation, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Brasstown complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville-Chestnut complex, high precipitation, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Brasstown complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plott fine sandy loam, high precipitation, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullasaja-Tuckasegee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullasaja-Tuckasegee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cheoah channery loam, 50 to 95 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plott fine sandy loam, high precipitation, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chestnut-Cleveland-Rock outcrop complex, windswept, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spivey-Santeetlah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Soco-Stecoah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylco-Cataska complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Junaluska-Tsali complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | 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 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.