What Is in a U.S. Census Record
- Brenda Franklin
- Jul 28, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 11, 2024
U.S. Census records are a rich source of historical and genealogical information. They have been conducted every ten years since 1790 and are made publicly available 72 years after the census date. Here's a list of each publicly accessible U.S. Census with a summary of the information each census typically includes:
1790 Census
First census in the U.S.
Details recorded: Name of the head of the household, number of free white males aged 16 and older, number of free white males under 16, number of free white females, number of other free persons, and number of enslaved people.
1800-1810 Census
Details recorded: Similar to 1790, but added age ranges for free white males and females (e.g., under 10, 10-15, 16-25, 26-44, 45+).
1820 Census
Details recorded: Similar to previous censuses, added categories for free white persons by age group and a separate count for foreigners not naturalized.
1830 Census
Details recorded: Expanded age categories for free white persons, included data on those who were deaf, dumb, or blind.
1840 Census
Details recorded: Expanded on previous categories, included occupational data and data on those receiving pensions for Revolutionary or military service.
1850 Census
Details recorded: First census to list every individual in a household, rather than just the head. Included name, age, sex, color (white, black, or mulatto), birthplace, occupation, value of real estate, and whether the person attended school or was literate.
1860 Census
Details recorded: Similar to 1850, but also included value of personal estate.
1870 Census
Details recorded: Similar to 1860, included information on parents of foreign birth and whether males over 21 years were denied the right to vote.
1880 Census
Details recorded: Included relationship to head of household, marital status, place of birth of each individual and their parents, occupation, and health conditions (e.g., deaf, dumb, blind, insane, or "idiotic").
1890 Census
Details recorded: Most records were destroyed by fire. Surviving fragments include name, age, gender, race, occupation, birthplace, and more.
1900 Census
Details recorded: Name, relationship to head of household, sex, race, month and year of birth, age, marital status, number of years married, number of children born and living, birthplace and birthplaces of parents, citizenship status (for immigrants), year of immigration, occupation, literacy, and whether the home was owned or rented.
1910 Census
Details recorded: Similar to 1900, included military service status, occupation and industry, and whether home was owned or mortgaged.
1920 Census
Details recorded: Included citizenship status, year of immigration, naturalization status, and mother tongue of the individual and their parents.
1930 Census
Details recorded: Added information on radio ownership, veteran status, and value of property or amount of rent paid.
1940 Census
Details recorded: Included residence as of April 1, 1935, education level, and detailed employment information.
1950 Census (to be released in 2022)
Details recorded: Included more detailed information on occupation and industry, income, and household relationships.
Additional Notes:
Slave Schedules (1850 and 1860): Recorded the age, sex, and color of enslaved individuals, but typically not their names, unless the individual was 100 years of age or older.
Mortality Schedules (1850-1880): Recorded deaths that occurred in the year preceding the census, including name, age, sex, marital status, birthplace, and cause of death.
Each census has its nuances and particularities, and the information recorded evolved to reflect the growing complexity and diversity of the U.S. population. Access to these records can vary depending on the platform, but they are generally available through the National Archives, genealogical websites, and public libraries.
Here are some resources where you can view U.S. Census records online:
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Description: The official U.S. government site provides access to historical census records and other documents.
Click Link: National Archives Census Records
Description: A popular genealogy website that offers extensive census records along with many other genealogical resources. Note that it requires a subscription for full access.
Click Link: Ancestry.com Census Records
FamilySearch
Description: A free genealogy website operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It offers access to a wide range of census records and other historical documents.
MyHeritage
Description: Another subscription-based genealogy service that provides access to U.S. Census records, as well as a variety of other historical records.
Fold3
Description: Specializes in military records but also offers access to census records. Requires a subscription for full access.
Link: Fold3 Census Records
HeritageQuest Online
Description: Offers census records and other genealogical resources. Often available through public libraries with a library card.
Link: HeritageQuest Online
Internet Archive
Description: A non-profit digital library offering free access to a variety of historical resources, including some census records.
When using these resources, be mindful of the different access restrictions and subscription requirements. Many public libraries offer free access to subscription-based sites like Ancestry.com and Fold3 through library accounts, so checking with your local library can be a good way to access these resources for free.
Happy hunting!
Brenda
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