Franklin County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Clifford, on about 50% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Hickoryknob and Minnieville come next.
About 96% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 64% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 60% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 37% 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifford fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 116K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clifford fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford-Hickoryknob complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Comus-Maggodee-Elsinboro complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hickoryknob-Rhodhiss-Stott Knob complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bluemount-Spriggs complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnieville loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Peaks-Ashe-Edneyville complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wintergreen loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Edneytown-Sauratown complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Peaks-Ashe-Edneyville complex, 45 to 95 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnieville loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Littlejoe-Strawfield-Penhook complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Drapermill gravelly loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | 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 60% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 64% 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
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.