McMullen County, Texas
The most common soil here is Cochina, on about 7% of the land: a clay, sticky when wet and rock-hard when dry. Houla and Montell come next.
About 60% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 56% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 47% 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 11% 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 McMullen 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 McMullen 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area not surveyed, access denied | 102K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Houla clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 61K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Salco fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Montell clay, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 33K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cochina clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 32K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Esseville clay, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laparita clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 26K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monwebb clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 24K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dosrios clay, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cochina clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 24K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Czar-Clareville complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pernitas sandy clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Campbellton clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brundage fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tela sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weesatche fine sandy loam, dry, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Coy clay loam, dry, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 13K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Leoncita fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Moglia clay loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 56% 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.