Onslow County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Baymeade, on about 9% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Croatan and Rains come next.
About 26% of the land drains well, and 50% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 54% of it.
USDA rates 81% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 68% 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.
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 Onslow 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/D (varies with drainage). 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 Onslow 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baymeade fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 37K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Muckalee loam | 33K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croatan muck, ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leon fine sand | 32K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods | 31K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Foreston loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodington loamy fine sand | 27K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torhunta fine sandy loam | 26K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marvyn loamy fine sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Onslow loamy fine sand | 20K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pantego mucky loam | 18K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stallings loamy fine sand | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Murville fine sand | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Autryville loamy fine sand | 10K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bohicket silty clay loam | 9K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kureb fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not 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 68% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 81% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.