Chesterfield County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Alpin, on about 15% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Ailey and Badin come next.
About 73% of the land drains well, and 16% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 84% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 32% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 15% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 12% 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 Chesterfield County, South 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 A (high infiltration, low 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 Chesterfield County, South 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ailey sand, moderately wet, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Alpin sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, Carolina and Georgia Sandhills | 52K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Candor sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Johnston sandy loam, frequently flooded | 32K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ailey sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Alpin sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 27K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla-Chastain complex, frequently flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pelion loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Candor sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Badin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vaucluse loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bibb sandy loam, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badin silt loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badin silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Badin silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pelion loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Noboco loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | 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 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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.