Dillon County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Coxville, on about 11% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Dothan and Persanti come next.
About 32% of the land drains well, and 54% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 53% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% 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 Dillon 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Dillon 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coxville fine sandy loam | 29K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Johnston-Rutlege association, frequently flooded | 19K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Persanti fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Smithboro loam | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fuquay sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cantey loam | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarendon loamy sand | 10K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dunbar fine sandy loam | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege loamy sand | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Varina sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pantego loam | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Southern Coastal Plain | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duplin fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dothan loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Paxville loam | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chastain loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Osier loamy sand | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | 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 72% 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 98% 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.