Houston County, Texas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Houston County, Texas.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kurth fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 57K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fuller fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 56K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cuthbert fine sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Herty loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lilbert loamy fine sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Moten-Multey complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kirvin fine sandy loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Darco loamy fine sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Latex loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penning very fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Keltys fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Betis loamy fine sand, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Freestone-Derly, frequently ponded complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Koury silt loam, frequently flooded | 18K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tenaha loamy fine sand, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Woodtell very fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laneville loam, frequently flooded | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freestone fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pophers silt loam, frequently flooded | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Annona loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 95% 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.