Prince William County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Arcola, on about 10% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Buckhall and Manassas come next.
About 59% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 23% of it.
USDA rates 75% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 51% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 26% 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 Prince William 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 Prince William 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcola silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 13K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Arcola-Nestoria complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manassas silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckhall loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Waxpool silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dulles silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Panorama silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Meadowville loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Albano silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Occoquan sandy loam, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Buckhall complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neabsco loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sycoline-Kelly complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jackland silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dumfries sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaila sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sudley-Oatlands complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | 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 51% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 75% 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.