Accomack County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Bojac, on about 15% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Nimmo and Chincoteague come next.
About 21% of the land drains well, and 48% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 49% of it.
USDA rates 79% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 61% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 26% 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 Accomack County, Virginia, 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 Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Accomack County, Virginia. 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 | 82K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Nimmo sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 67K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chincoteague silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 48K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bojac sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Munden sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Melfa-Hobucken complex, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bojac loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dragston fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arapahoe mucky loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Polawana mucky sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Molena loamy sand, 6 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bojac fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fisherman-Camocca complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arapahoe-Melfa complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Camocca fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Molena loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Beaches, 1 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Magotha fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthent and Udipsamment soils, 0 to 30 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Assateague fine sand, 2 to 35 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Excessively drained | A | 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 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 79% 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.