Orange County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Georgeville, on about 29% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Herndon and Tarrus come next.
About 79% of the land drains well, and 5% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 9% of it.
USDA rates 34% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 26% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 9% 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 Orange 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 Orange 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgeville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Georgeville silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tarrus silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Helena sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enon loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lignum silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarrus silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enon loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wedowee sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orange silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wedowee sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iredell gravelly loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vance sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Louisburg (Wateree) sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | 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 26% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 34% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.