Willacy County, Texas
The most common soil here is Raymondville, on about 11% of the land: a clay loam, firm and a little sticky. Racombes and Hidalgo come next.
About 30% of the land drains well, and 32% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 57% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 42% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 13% 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 Willacy 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 B (moderate infiltration). 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 Willacy 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raymondville clay loam | 60K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 47K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Racombes sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hidalgo sandy clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lyford sandy clay loam | 26K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nueces fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lozano fine sandy loam | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Willamar fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Willacy fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Satatton fine sand, frequently flooded | 16K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tatton fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 14K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willacy fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Porfirio sandy clay loam occasionally ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mercedes clay | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Barrada clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, occasionally ponded | 10K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delfina fine sandy loam, warm, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Saucel fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sauz fine sand, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Falfurrias fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hargill fine sandy loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | 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 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 57% 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.