Monroe County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Tarr, on about 10% of the land: a sand, loose sand that holds almost no water. Norden and Valton come next.
About 69% of the land drains well, and 21% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 19% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 61% 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, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 23% 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 Monroe 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 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 Monroe 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarr sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 34K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dorerton, very stony-Elbaville complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Council-Elevasil-Norden complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes, rocky | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarr sand, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Norden silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norden silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ponycreek-Dawsil complex, lake plain, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 19K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orion silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Majik, cool-Ponycreek complex, lake plain, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norden silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Boone-Elevasil complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes, rocky | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mindoro sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bilson sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Impact sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wildale channery silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Council fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valton silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elevasil sandy loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | 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 61% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
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.