Kenosha County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Ozaukee, on about 16% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Ashkum and Markham come next.
About 18% of the land drains well, and 44% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 44% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 69% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% 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 Kenosha County, Wisconsin, 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 Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Kenosha County, Wisconsin. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashkum silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliott silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Markham silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Varna silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beecher silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Montgomery silty clay | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Navan silt loam | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fox silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Markham silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ozaukee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hebron loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fox loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Aztalan loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clayey land | 2K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Sebewa silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aztalan loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | 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 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.