Lee County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Mayodan, on about 20% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Pinkston and Fuquay come next.
About 76% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 13% of it.
USDA rates 61% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 44% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 16% 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 Lee 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 Lee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayodan fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mayodan fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fuquay loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pinkston silt loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinkston silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wehadkee fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pinkston silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet fine sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilead loamy sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Creedmoor fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tillery fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blaney loamy sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cecil fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Congaree silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Candor sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nanford silt loam, 2 to 8 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 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 61% 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.