Matagorda County, Texas
The most common soil here is Laewest, on about 15% of the land: a clay, sticky when wet and rock-hard when dry. Dacosta and Edna come next.
About 5% of the land drains well, and 26% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 26% of it.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 79% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% 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 Matagorda 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Vertisols — clay-rich soils that shrink and swell dramatically with moisture changes. 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 Matagorda 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 174K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Laewest clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 133K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dacosta sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 105K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edna loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 72K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pledger clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 61K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brazoria clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Surfside clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 24K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Livia silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bacliff clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 19K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Palacios loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Asa silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tidehaven fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Texana fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Livco-Dacosta complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laewest silty clay, overwashed, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Harris clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pledger clay, occasionally flooded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Velasco clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Asa silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Francitas clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | 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 79% 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 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.