Winnebago County, Wisconsin
The most common soil here is Kewaunee, on about 11% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Manawa and Hortonville come next.
About 29% of the land drains well, and 42% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 42% of it.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 47% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 2% 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 Winnebago 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 Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Winnebago 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 91K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kewaunee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 40K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manawa silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hortonville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Zittau silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willette muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poy silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neenah silty clay loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Menasha clay | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Korobago silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winneconne silty clay loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nebago fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poygan silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally ponded, drained | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mosel silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ossian silt loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghton muck, ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keowns silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Borth silty clay loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | 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 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.