King and Queen County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Emporia, on about 32% of the land: a fine sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Slagle and Rumford come next.
About 71% of the land drains well, and 9% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 9% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 46% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 8% 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 King and Queen 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 King and Queen 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Emporia-Slagle-Rumford complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia-Slagle-Rumford complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Slagle sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinston and Bibb soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Emporia sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Suffolk sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rumford loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Levy silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rappahannock mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tetotum fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tarboro sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| State fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Slagle sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tetotum fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bojac loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| State fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | 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 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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.