Horry County, South Carolina
The most common soil here is Johnston, on about 7% of the land: a mucky loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Woodington and Pocomoke come next.
About 15% of the land drains well, and 60% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 75% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 82% 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.
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 Horry 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 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 Horry 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnston loam | 51K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodington fine sandy loam | 43K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yauhannah fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 40K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pocomoke fine sandy loam | 39K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenansville fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ogeechee loamy fine sand | 37K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leon fine sand | 36K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meggett loam | 35K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nansemond loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 34K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bladen fine sandy loam | 34K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eulonia loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yonges fine sandy loam | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynn Haven sand | 23K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Centenary fine sand | 21K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rutlege loamy sand | 20K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Echaw sand | 20K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yemassee loamy fine sand | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hobonny muck | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | 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 82% 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 97% 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.