Durham County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is White Store, on about 29% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Georgeville and Herndon come next.
About 35% of the land drains well, and 10% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 53% of it.
USDA rates 67% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 65% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 11% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 5% 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 Durham 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Durham 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Store sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| White Store sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla and Wehadkee soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| White Store sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Georgeville silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| White Store-Urban land complex, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Creedmoor sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pinkston fine sandy loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iredell loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayodan sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mayodan sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban land | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Helena sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cartecay and Chewacla soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 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 65% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
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.