Jefferson and Orange Counties, Texas
The most common soil here is League, on about 6% of the land: a clay, sticky when wet and rock-hard when dry. Beaumont and Labelle come next.
About under 1% of the land drains well, and 77% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 55% of it.
USDA rates 83% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 75% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 27% 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 Jefferson and Orange 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 Somewhat poorly 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 Jefferson and Orange 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 75K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Urban land | 72K | D | Not limited | Not limited | |
| League clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 44K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evadale-Gist complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaumont clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Labelle-Levac complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leerco muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tidal | 25K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bancker mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tidal | 23K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meaton-Levac complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zummo muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, frequently ponded | 21K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evadale-Aldine complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mollco frequently ponded-Craigen complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 19K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beaumont silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 19K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barnett mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tidal | 17K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caplen mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tidal | 17K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Creole mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded, tidal | 17K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meaton-Spindletop complex, 0 to1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orcadia-Urban land complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morey-Levac complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Labelle clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly 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 75% 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 83% 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.