Georgetown County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Bladen, on about 9% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Yauhannah and Wahee come next.
About 10% of the land drains well, and 66% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 78% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 84% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 25% 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 Georgetown 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 Very 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 Georgetown 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bladen loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 51K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yauhannah loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 50K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wahee fine sandy loam | 47K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bohicket silty clay loam | 44K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 34K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Yemassee loamy fine sand | 33K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chastain silty clay loam | 29K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eulonia loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 26K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Levy silty clay loam | 25K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cape Fear loam | 20K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chipley fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Leon sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grifton loamy fine sand | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobonny muck | 17K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chisolm sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Johnston loam | 14K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Echaw sand | 12K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wakulla sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hobcaw loam | 10K | Very poorly drained | B/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 84% 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 93% 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.