Septic suitability in Clarke County, VA

Very limited

Clarke County, VA: USDA's soil survey calls 87.6% of the county "Very limited" for a septic leach field. This is the reading that pushes a project toward an engineered system rather than a conventional one, and it covers 87.6% of Clarke County's land. The county spans 175.958 square miles, home to 15,598 people.

What this number does and doesn't tell you

USDA's survey covers the whole of Clarke County, VA at once, not any single address. Budget $750-$1,850 for a real perc test on any specific parcel - that's the only figure a permit application accepts.

Clarke County: conventional vs. engineered cost

87.6% of Clarke 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.

Clarke County's rank among Virginia counties

Among the 3,058 rated counties on this site, Clarke County, VA ranks 1,504 most-constrained nationally, and 23 of 110 within Virginia.

Related guides

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