Mastering research: U.S. Census Records
Image header from 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Chico Township, Butte County, California
Family history research greatly benefits from census records, which offer unique insights into your ancestors and document how your family has changed over the years. You can find historical census data at the National Archives or access US census records from 1790 to 1940 through various online repositories.
Since 1790, the United States has conducted a Federal Population Census every ten years. Access to census data is restricted for 72 years after collection, so information from recent censuses isn't available beyond 1950. Researchers often start with the 1950 Census and trace back through earlier generations.
Digital images of census schedules from 1790 to 1950 are accessible online. You can view them for free at any National Archives facility or through our digitization partners. Selected census years are also available in the National Archives Catalog. Visit our Census Resources page to search digitized records on our and partners' websites.
Insights from U.S. Census Records (one exception: the 1890 Federal Census was damaged in a fire):
From 1850 to 1950, census records provide detailed information about all individuals within each household. This includes:
Name
Age at a specific time
State or country of birth
Parents' birthplaces
Year of immigration (if applicable)
Street address
Marital status and years married (if applicable)
Occupation(s)
Value of home and personal belongings
Crops grown or products manufactured (in agricultural or manufacturing schedules)
Jackson “Jack” Pollock (1912-1956) and family in Chico Township, Butte County, California, 1920.
To make the most of census research, start with the most recent available year and work backwards. Due to the 72-year access restriction, the latest census year currently accessible is 1950.
Before 1850, census records were more limited. From 1790 to 1840, only the head of household was named; other household members were tallied in specific age categories. Not all details were recorded in every census, so availability varies.
Finding aid for digitized U.S. Census records: Family Search Wiki
John Adams, Quincy, Norfolk County, Massachusetts 1820 U.S. Federal Census