Scope
U.S. federal censuses beginning in 1850 recorded the name of every individual in a household.
The 1850 U.S. Census
This was the first federal census to record the name of every member of a household, however, only for free white people and free people of color. It was also the first census to ask where each person was born. The 1850 U.S. census included the first separate slave schedule, which only counted unnamed enslaved people, grouping them by gender, age, and color. Census Day was June 1, 1850.
The Population Schedule Manuscripts
- FamilySearch: United States Census, 1850 (FREE)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable. Only the slaveholder is named, so only the slaveholder name can be searched.
- Ancestry.com: 1850 United States Federal Census ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Special Federal Census Schedules
Slave Schedules
- FamilySearch: United States Census (Slave Schedule), 1850 (FREE)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable. Only the slaveholder is named, so only the slaveholder name can be searched.
- Ancestry.com: 1850 U.S. Federal Census - Slave Schedules ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable. Only the slaveholder is named, so only the slaveholder name can be searched.
Other Schedules
- Ancestry.com: U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880 ($)Includes the agriculture, industry/manufacturers, social statistics, and supplemental schedules.
- FamilySearch: United States Census (Mortality Schedule), 1850-1880 (FREE)The mortality schedule enumerated the individuals who had died in the previous year, before the current Census Day.
- Ancestry.com: U.S., Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850-1885 ($)The mortality schedule enumerated the individuals who had died in the previous year, before the current Census Day.
Analyzing the 1850 Census
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1850 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes examples of the census questionnaire for each schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the population and slave schedules, and the instructions provided by Congress to the census enumerators, who at this time were U.S. marshals or their assistants.
- FamilySearch: Descriptions of census subdivisions, 1850 (FREE)This collection digitized from NARA microfilm provides descriptions (not maps) identifying the geographic jurisdictions and boundaries covered by each census taker within one census period. Oregon Territory is missing.
The 1860 U.S. Census
The 1860 U.S. census included a separate (and the last) slave schedule, which only counted unnamed enslaved people, grouping them by gender, age, and color. It was the first federal decennial census to count Native Americans, but only those who were taxed and lived in the general population instead of on reservations, and no Native American or Indian racial category existed. Census Day was June 1, 1860.
The Population Schedule Manuscripts
- FamilySearch: United States Census, 1860 (FREE)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
- Ancestry.com: 1860 United States Federal Census ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Special Federal Census Schedules
Slave Schedules
- FamilySearch: United States Census (Slave Schedule), 1860Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable. Only the slaveholder is named, so only the slaveholder name can be searched.
- Ancestry.com: 1860 U.S. Federal Census - Slave Schedules ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable. Only the slaveholder is named, so only the slaveholder name can be searched.
Other Schedules
- Ancestry.com: U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880Includes the agriculture, industry/manufacturers, social statistics, and supplemental schedules.
- FamilySearch: United States Census (Mortality Schedule), 1850-1880The mortality schedule enumerated the individuals who had died in the previous year, before the current Census Day.
- Ancestry.com: U.S., Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850-1885The mortality schedule enumerated the individuals who had died in the previous year, before the current Census Day.
Analyzing the 1860 Census
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1860 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes examples of the census questionnaire for each schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the population and slave schedules, and the instructions provided by Congress to the census enumerators, who at this time were U.S. marshals or their assistants.
- FamilySearch: Descriptions of census subdivisions, 1860 (FREE)This collection digitized from NARA microfilm provides descriptions (not maps) identifying the geographic jurisdictions and boundaries covered by each census taker within one census period. In alphabetical order by state or territory.
The 1870 U.S. Census
The 1870 census was the first federal census after the Civil War and the 13th Amendment. Consequently it is the first census on which formerly enslaved individuals are identified by name and formerly enslaved families are enumerated together. This census was also the first to count people of East Asian descent, although they were all categorized as Chinese. It was also the first to ask if one's parents were foreign born. Census Day was June 1, 1870.
The Population Schedule Manuscripts
- FamilySearch: United States Census, 1870 (FREE)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
- Ancestry.com: 1870 United States Federal Census ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Special Federal Census Schedules
- Ancestry.com: U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880Includes the agriculture, industry/manufacturers, social statistics, and supplemental schedules.
- FamilySearch: United States Census (Mortality Schedule), 1850-1880The mortality schedule enumerated the individuals who had died in the previous year, before the current Census Day.
- Ancestry.com: U.S., Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850-1885The mortality schedule enumerated the individuals who had died in the previous year, before the current Census Day.
Analyzing the 1870 Census
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1870 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes examples of the census questionnaire for each schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the population schedule, and the instructions provided by Congress to the census enumerators, who at this time were U.S. marshals or their assistants.
- FamilySearch: Descriptions of census subdivisions, 1870 (FREE)This collection digitized from NARA microfilm provides descriptions (not maps) identifying the geographic jurisdictions and boundaries covered by each census taker within one census period. In alphabetical order by state or territory.
The 1880 U.S. Census
The 1880 federal decennial census included five schedules: 1) population, 2) agriculture, 3) manufacturers (industry), 4, social statistics, and 5) mortality. It was the first census for which the Census Bureau hired and trained professional enumerators instead of having the census conducted by U.S. marshalls and their assistants. It was also the first census to identify how each member of a household is related to the head of household. Census Day was June 1, 1880.
The Population Schedule Manuscripts
- FamilySearch: United States Census, 1880 (FREE)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
- Ancestry.com: 1880 United States Federal CensusDigitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Special Federal Census Schedules
- Ancestry.com: U.S., Selected Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880Includes the agriculture, industry/manufacturers, social statistics, and supplemental schedules.
- Ancestry.com: U.S., Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850-1885The mortality schedule enumerated the individuals who had died in the previous year, before the current Census Day.
- FamilySearch: United States Census (Mortality Schedule), 1850-1880The mortality schedule enumerated the individuals who had died in the previous year, before the current Census Day.
Analyzing the 1880 Census
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1880 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes an example of the census questionnaire for the population schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the population schedule, and the enumeration instructions provided to the specially hired and trained census takers.
- FamilySearch: Descriptions of census enumeration districts, 1880 (FREE)This collection digitized from NARA microfilm provides descriptions (not maps) identifying the geographic jurisdictions and boundaries covered by each enumerator within one census period. The following census descriptions are permanently missing from the National Archives and the Family History Library collections: Alabama, Arizona Territory, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Montana Territory, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin.
The 1890 U.S. Census
The Population Schedule Manuscripts
The majority of the 1890 federal census was destroyed in 1921 from a fire in the U.S. Commerce Department Building. Nothing remains for California. This was the first census to distinguish between East Asian races, now including a Japanese classification instead of just Chinese. It was also the first census to ask about naturalization status, how long each immigrant had been in the U.S., and if each person could speak English. Census Day was June 2, 1890.
- FamilySearch: United States Census, 1890 (FREE) - INDEX ONLYSearchable index only of remaining fragments that survived the fire. No images.
- Ancestry.com: 1890 United States Federal Census Fragment ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Special Federal Census Schedules
The Veterans Schedule Manuscripts
- FamilySearch: United States Census of Union Veterans and Widows of the Civil War, 1890 (FREE)Indexed, searchable, and browsable.
- Ancestry.com: 1890 Veterans Schedules ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Analyzing the 1890 Census
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1890 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes examples of the census questionnaire for each schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the population schedule, and the enumeration instructions provided to the specially hired and trained census takers.
- FamilySearch: Descriptions of census enumeration districts, 1890 (FREE)This collection digitized from NARA microfilm provides descriptions (not maps) identifying the geographic jurisdictions and boundaries covered by each enumerator within one census period. In alphabetical order by state or territory,
The 1900 U.S. Census
This census included a separate schedule for Native Americans, and it was the first census to ask about tribal affiliations. It was also the first census to enumerate Native Americans living on reservations instead of just those living in the general population. The 1900 census was the first census to ask about year of immigration to the U.S. Census Day was June 1, 1900.
The Population Schedule Manuscripts
- FamilySearch: United States Census, 1900 (FREE)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
- Ancestry.com: 1900 United States Federal Census ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Analyzing the 1900 Population Schedule
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1900 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes an example of the census questionnaire for the population schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the general and Indian population schedules, and the enumeration instructions provided to the specially hired and trained census takers.
- FamilySearch: United States Enumeration District Maps for the Twelfth through the Sixteenth US Censuses, 1900-1940 (FREE)Enumeration district maps for the 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 censuses digitized from NARA microfilm. These are not indexed or searchable by state, territory, county, locality, or street names. The collections is broken into smaller sub-collections organized online by state name (A-Z) with territories listed last. Census years are mixed together. Find the waypoint for your state and county of interest and review that sub-collection image-by-image to identify maps of interest.
The 1910 U.S. Census
This census included a separate schedule for Native Americans, and it was the last census to as about U.S. Civil War veteran status. Census Day was April 15, 1910.
The Population Schedule Manuscripts
- FamilySearch: United States Census, 1910 (FREE)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
- Ancestry.com: 1910 United States Federal Census ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Analyzing the 1910 Population Schedule
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1910 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes an example of the census questionnaire for the population schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the general and Indian population schedules, and the enumeration instructions provided to the specially hired and trained census takers.
- FamilySearch: Descriptions of census enumeration districts, 1910 (FREE)This collection digitized from NARA microfilm provides descriptions (not maps) identifying the geographic jurisdictions and boundaries covered by each enumerator within one census period. Arranged alphabetically by state and within each state by supervisor's district and enumeration district (usually county).
- FamilySearch: United States Enumeration District Maps for the Twelfth through the Sixteenth US Censuses, 1900-1940 (FREE)Enumeration district maps for the 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 censuses digitized from NARA microfilm. These are not indexed or searchable by state, territory, county, locality, or street names. The collections is broken into smaller sub-collections organized online by state name (A-Z) with territories listed last. Census years are mixed together. Find the waypoint for your state and county of interest and review that sub-collection image-by-image to identify maps of interest.
The 1920 U.S. Census
This was the first census after World War I, and it also included a separate schedule for Native Americans. Census Day was January 1, 1920.
The Population Schedule Manuscripts
- FamilySearch: United States Census, 1920 (FREE)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
- Ancestry.com: 1920 United States Federal Census ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Analyzing the 1920 Population Schedule
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1920 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes an example of the census questionnaire for the population schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the population schedule, and the enumeration instructions provided to the specially hired and trained census takers.
- FamilySearch: Descriptions of census enumeration districts, 1920 (FREE)This collection digitized from NARA microfilm provides descriptions (not maps) identifying the geographic jurisdictions and boundaries covered by each enumerator within one census period. Arranged alphabetically by state and within each state by supervisor's district and enumeration district (usually county).
- FamilySearch: United States Enumeration District Maps for the Twelfth through the Sixteenth US Censuses, 1900-1940 (FREE)Enumeration district maps for the 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 censuses digitized from NARA microfilm. These are not indexed or searchable by state, territory, county, locality, or street names. The collections is broken into smaller sub-collections organized online by state name (A-Z) with territories listed last. Census years are mixed together. Find the waypoint for your state and county of interest and review that sub-collection image-by-image to identify maps of interest.
The 1930 U.S. Census
The Population Schedule Manuscripts
This census had significant changes in how people were racially classified. The term mulatto was no longer allowed, and this was the first and only census to specifically identify people born in Mexico or with parents born in Mexico. It was also the first census to identify people of Asian descent outside of just Chinese and Japanese. This census included a separate questionnaire about unemployment and separate Native American schedule. Census Day was April 1, 1930.
- FamilySearch: United States Census, 1930 (FREE)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
- Ancestry.com: 1930 United States Federal Census ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Analyzing the 1930 Population Schedule
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1930 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes examples of the census questionnaire for each schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the general population, Indian population, and unemployment schedules, and the enumeration instructions provided to the specially hired and trained census takers.
- FamilySearch: Descriptions of census enumeration districts, 1930 (FREE)This collection digitized from NARA microfilm provides descriptions (not maps) identifying the geographic jurisdictions and boundaries covered by each enumerator within one census period. Arranged alphabetically by state with territories at the end.
- FamilySearch: United States Enumeration District Maps for the Twelfth through the Sixteenth US Censuses, 1900-1940 (FREE)Enumeration district maps for the 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 censuses digitized from NARA microfilm. These are not indexed or searchable by state, territory, county, locality, or street names. The collections is broken into smaller sub-collections organized online by state name (A-Z) with territories listed last. Census years are mixed together. Find the waypoint for your state and county of interest and review that sub-collection image-by-image to identify maps of interest.
The 1940 U.S. Census
The 1940 Population Schedule Manuscripts
The 1940 U.S. Decennial Census is the only one to identify which household member (the informant) spoke to the enumerator. The census included separate questionnaires for population and housing. It was the first census after the Great Depression and asked questions about Social Security. Census Day was April 1, 1940.
- FamilySearch: United States Census, 1940 (FREE)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
- Ancestry.com: 1940 United States Federal Census ($)Digitized images that are indexed, searchable, and browsable.
Analyzing the 1940 Population Schedule
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1940 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes examples of the census questionnaire for each schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the population and housing schedules, and the enumeration instructions provided to the specially hired and trained census takers.
- FamilySearch: United States Enumeration District Maps for the Twelfth through the Sixteenth US Censuses, 1900-1940 (FREE)Enumeration district maps for the 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 censuses digitized from NARA microfilm. These are not indexed or searchable by state, territory, county, locality, or street names. The collections is broken into smaller sub-collections organized online by state name (A-Z) with territories listed last. Census years are mixed together. Find the waypoint for your state and county of interest and review that sub-collection image-by-image to identify maps of interest.
- NARA: Enumeration District and Related Maps, 1880–1990 (FREE)The Bureau of the Census prepared these maps in advance of each decennial census, starting with 1880, to control population data collection. The 1940 and 1950 digitized maps are available to view in the NARA Catalog. Searching within the series by census year + county + state (ex: 1950 + Los Angeles County + California) and narrow it down more by adding the city or town (ex: 195- + Los Angeles County + California + Long Beach).
The 1950 U.S. Census
The 1950 Population Schedule Manuscripts
The 1950 federal census is the most recent census manuscript collection available to public researchers. The census included separate questionnaires for population and housing. It was the first federal census after World War II, the first to enumerate Americans living abroad, and the last to enumerate Native Americans in a separate schedule. Census Day was April 1, 1950.
- NARA: 1950 United States Census (FREE)Digitized images that are computer-indexed, partially searchable, and fully browsable.
- FamilySearch: 1950 United States Census (FREE)Digitized images that are computer-indexed, partially searchable, and fully browsable.
- Ancestry.com: 1950 United States Federal Census ($)Digitized images that are computer-indexed, partially searchable, and fully browsable.
Analyzing the 1950 Census
- U.S. Census Bureau: 1950 Decennial Census - Index of Questions & InstructionsThis includes examples of the census questionnaire for each schedule, an itemized list of each question asked by the enumerator on the population and housing schedules, and the enumeration instructions provided to the specially hired and trained census takers.
- NARA: Enumeration District and Related Maps, 1880–1990 (FREE)The Bureau of the Census prepared these maps in advance of each decennial census, starting with 1880, to control population data collection. The 1940 and 1950 digitized maps are available to view in the NARA Catalog. Searching within the series by census year + county + state (ex: 1950 + Los Angeles County + California) and narrow it down more by adding the city or town (ex: 195- + Los Angeles County + California + Long Beach).
The 1960 U.S. Census
The 1960 Population Schedule Manuscripts
These manuscripts will not be released by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) until April 1, 2032.
U.S. Census Toolbox
Free Forms
To extract and organize your manuscript data.
- FamilySearch: United States Census Forms (FREE)Blank forms with column headings for each question asked on each decennial population schedule.
- Ancestry.com: US Census Forms (Free)Blank forms with column headings for each question asked on each population schedule, the 1890 veterans schedule, and the 1850 & 1860 slave schedules.
Reference Tools
To find and analyze the historical censuses.
General
- U.S Census Buareau: U.S. Census Bureau History: 1890 Census Fire, January 10, 1921This article explains what fragments remain for which states, and the historical and genealogical impact of this census loss.
- U.S. National Archives: Nonpopulation Census RecordsExplains the coverage scope (year and state) for each non-population schedule, the type of information found in those, and where to find the records.
People of Color
- U.S. National Archives: American Indians in the Federal Decennial Census, 1790-1930This guide explains in which federal censuses Native Americans were enumerated, and if that included those living on reservations or just those living in the general population.
- U.S. Census Bureau: Censuses of American IndiansThis guide explains the various types of federal censuses that have included Native Americans.
- U.S. Census Bureau: Measuring Race and Ethnicity Across the Decades: 1790–2010This color coded infographic by the U.S. Census Bureau provides a visualization of how different races and ethnicities have been reported on the U.S. population census between 1790 and 2010.
- Pew Research Center: What Census Calls UsThis color coded infographic by the Pew Research Center provides a visualization of how different races and ethnicities have been reported on the U.S. population census between 1790 and 2020.