Hand County, South Dakota
The most common soil here is Houdek, on about 30% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Prosper and Raber come next.
About 80% of the land drains well, and 9% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 9% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 22% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% 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 Hand County, South Dakota, 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 C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Hand County, South Dakota. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houdek-Prosper loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 112K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 92K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Ethan-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 86K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eakin-Raber complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Dudley complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 56K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Dudley complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tetonka silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 38K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houdek loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Ethan-Dudley complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hoven silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 21K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raber-Peno loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bon loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peno-Raber loams, hilly | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenham-Ethan-Prosper loams, 2 to 9 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Houdek-Ethan loams, 6 to 9 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Prosper-Stickney loams, nearly level | 11K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Glenham-Ethan-Prosper loams, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bon-Northville complex, nearly level | 10K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hand loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Betts-Java loams, steep | 9K | 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 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.