Kenedy and Kleberg Counties, Texas
The most common soil here is Palobia, on about 8% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Falfurrias and Sarita come next.
About 35% of the land drains well, and 27% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 33% of it.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 43% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 15% 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 Kenedy and Kleberg 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 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 Kenedy and Kleberg 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 | 131K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Padrones fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 115K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Palobia loamy fine sand, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 110K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Victoria clay 0 to 1 percent slopes | 77K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potrero-Lopeno-Noria complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, very rarely flooded, frequently ponded | 70K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sarita fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 69K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Falfurrias-Cayo complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 65K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Satatton fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 52K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falfurrias fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 43K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sauz rarely flooded-Saucel rarely flooded, occasionally ponded complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 43K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cranell sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lopeno-Potrero-Arenisco complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes, very rarely flooded | 40K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Quiteria fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 39K | Moderately well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sarita-Cayo complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Falfurrias-Atiras-Medanito complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 36K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Arrada sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, frequently ponded | 33K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baffin sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 meter water depth | 29K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Tatton fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 29K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sauz fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 28K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colmena fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 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 76% 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.