Arlington County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Glenelg, on about 14% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Sassafras and Udorthents come next.
About 29% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 3% of it.
USDA rates 13% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 10% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
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 Arlington 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Arlington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Sassafras-Neabsco complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glenelg-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban land-Glenelg complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glenelg-Urban land complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 978 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenelg-Manor complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 805 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arlington National Cemetery | 641 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Glenelg complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 534 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glenelg-Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 505 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Sassafras complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 316 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udorthents, loamy | 297 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sassafras-Urban land-Neabsco complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 290 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Glenelg complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 227 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sassafras-Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 221 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 183 | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban land-Woodstown complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 171 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glenelg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 152 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban land-Codorus complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 134 | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Sassafras gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 127 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 108 | Not rated | Not rated |
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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
Most soils are reasonably suitable for conventional septic systems, though site-specific conditions always matter. Get a perc test to confirm.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.