Septic suitability in Dickey County, ND

Somewhat limited

USDA puts Dickey County, ND at "Somewhat limited" for septic absorption fields, the dominant reading across 51.4% of the county's soil. Modification usually rescues a conventional system at this rating - added fill or a larger field - rather than forcing a full engineered redesign. The county spans 1,131.493 square miles, home to 4,930 people.

What this number does and doesn't tell you

USDA's survey covers the whole of Dickey County, ND 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.

Dickey County: conventional vs. engineered cost

51.4% of Dickey County carrying a "Somewhat 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.

Dickey County's rank among North Dakota counties

Among the 3,058 rated counties on this site, Dickey County, ND ranks 2,926 most-constrained nationally, and 44 of 53 within North Dakota.

Before you act on this

How this rating is built, and its real limits · How a percolation test actually works