Anderson County, Texas
The most common soil here is Lilbert, on about 14% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Darco and Kirvin come next.
About 70% of the land drains well, and 6% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 9% of it.
USDA rates 74% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 33% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 18% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 6% 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 Anderson County, Texas, 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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Anderson County, Texas. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirvin-Sacul association, sloping | 80K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Darco fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 66K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lilbert loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 53K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Darco, Kirvin, and Tenaha soils, sloping | 53K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lilbert loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Trawick and Bub soils, moderately steep | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nahatche and Pluck soils, frequently flooded | 36K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thenas fine sandy loam | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaufman clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 26K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Padina fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Trinity clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Larue loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elrose fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elrose fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Iulus fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kirvin complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Betis fine sand, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Axtell fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuthbert stony soils, 5 to 20 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bowie fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat 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 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 74% 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.