Boone County's SSURGO septic rating

Very limited

USDA puts Boone County, IA at "Very limited" for septic absorption fields, the dominant reading across 76.1% of the county's soil. Expect the ground itself to work against a plain gravity system; USDA's strictest bucket alone covers 76.1% of the county. The county spans 570.461 square miles, home to 26,729 people.

What this number does and doesn't tell you

Boone County's rating is an average across the whole county, not a promise about any one lot inside it. Budget $750-$1,850 for a real perc test on any specific parcel - that's the only figure a permit application accepts.

Boone County: conventional vs. engineered cost

76.1% of Boone County carrying a "Very limited" reading changes the realistic budget here. Conventional systems run $3,000-$8,000 where they pass; where they don't, engineered alternatives (mound or aerobic treatment, whichever the health department requires) run $10,000-$40,000 - budget toward the higher figure until a perc test says otherwise.

Boone County's rank among Iowa counties

Among the 3,058 rated counties on this site, Boone County, IA ranks 2,227 most-constrained nationally, and 89 of 99 within Iowa.

Before you act on this

How this rating is built, and its real limits · Conventional vs. engineered septic systems