Hopkins and Rains Counties, Texas
The most common soil here is Crockett, on about 24% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Woodtell and Nahatche come next.
About 29% of the land drains well, and 16% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 25% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 87% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 17% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 10% 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 Hopkins and Rains Counties, 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Hopkins and Rains Counties, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crockett loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 118K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nahatche soils, frequently flooded | 91K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freestone fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 80K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodtell loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 62K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodtell loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 55K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crockett loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 50K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wolfpen loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 30K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Annona-Raino complex | 23K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lufkin-Raino complex | 22K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilson clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladewater clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bernaldo fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bazette clay loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaufman clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crockett loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pickton loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ferris clay, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bazette clay loam, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leson clay, 3 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | 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 87% 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 89% 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.