The Ultimate Quick Reference Guide to the U.S. Census for Genealogy

1790 U.S. Census

1790 U.S. Census records recorded:

• the name of the head of family
• number of free white males 16 and up
• number of white males under 16
• number of females
• number of other free persons
• number of enslaved persons
• state, county and city

Official Enumeration Date: August 2nd

Loss of Records: Total loss of records in the following states/territories: DE, GA, KY, NJ, TN, VA.

Search 1790 U.S. Census records for free here.

1800 U.S. Census

1800 U.S. Census records recorded:

• the name of head of family
• state, county and city
• number of free white males by age group
• number of free white females by age group
• number of other free persons
• number of enslaved persons

Official Enumeration Date: August 4th

Loss or Records: Total loss of records in the following states/territories: GA, KY, NJ, VA, TN.

Search 1800 U.S. Census records for free here.

1810 U.S. Census

The 1810 U.S. Census was identical to 1800 population schedule and recorded:

• the name of head of family
• state, county and city
• number of free white males by age group
• number of free white females by age group
• number of other free persons
• number of enslaved persons

Loss of Records: Total loss of records in the following states/territories: Washington D.C., GA, NJ, OH, TN.

Official Enumeration Date: August 6th

Search 1810 U.S. Census records for free here.

1820 U.S. Census

1820 U.S. Census records recorded:

• name of head of family
• state, county, city
• number of free white males by age group
• number of free white females by age group
• number of male slaves by age group
• number of female slaves by age group
• number of free “colored” persons by age group
• number of nonnaturalized foreign persons
• number of persons involved in agriculture, commerce, and manufacture (enslaved persons included)

Official Enumeration Date: August 7th

Loss of Records: Partial or total loss of records in the following states/territories: Arkansas Territory, Missouri territory, NJ, AL (half), TN (approx. 20 eastern counties).

Search 1820 U.S. Census records for free here.

1830 U.S. Census

1830 U.S. Census records recorded:

• the name of head of family
• state, county, city
• free white males/females by age group
• male/female enslaved persons by age group
• free “colored” male/females by age group
• number of individuals identified as “deaf or dumb” (white and slave or “colored”)
• number of blind individuals (white and slave or “colored”)
• white nonnaturalized foreign individuals

This is the first year standard printed schedules were used.

Official Enumeration Date: June 1st

Loss of Records: Partial loss of records in the following states/territories: MA, MD, MS.

Search 1830 U.S. Census records for free here.

1840 U.S. Census

The 1840 U.S. Census recorded the same information as the 1830 schedule with the addition of an inquiry of the number of illiterate individuals over the age of 20. Please see 1830 entry for additional information.

Official Enumeration Date: June 1st

Loss of Records: No significant loss of census records known.

Search 1840 U.S. Census records for free here.

1850 U.S. Census

The 1850 U.S. Census was the first year that all individuals were listed by name rather than just head of household (Native Americans and slaves excluded).

Separate schedules were used for slaves and these persons continued to be identified only by the name of the person who enslaved them. Sometimes their employer was also listed if they worked externally. Native Americans on reservations and unsettled lands were also excluded.

The population census for free persons recorded the number of dwelling and family (number is the order visited – not the house number), and the following:

• full name
• age
• gender
• race
• occupation if over 15 yrs.
• value of real estate owned
• place of birth (state or country)
• if individual was literate
• is person was married or in school within the last year
• if person was “deaf, dumb, blind, insane, idiotic, pauper, or convict”

The 1850 U.S. Census Slave Schedule recorded:

• the name of the slaveholder and sometimes employer
• total number of enslaved persons
• their gender, race, and whether the individual was identified as “deaf, dumb, blind, insane, or idiotic.”
• number of uncaught escaped slaves in the last year (per slaveholder)
• number of slaves freed from bondage within the last year (per slaveholder)

The 1850 U.S. Mortality Schedule collected information about those who died between June 1849 and May 1850. Mortality schedules were also conducted with the 1860, 1870, 1880 and 1885 censuses and recorded deaths from the previous year (from official enumeration date). FamilySearch does not currently offer them but we have written about how to access these schedules for free here.

Official Enumeration Date: June 1st

Loss of Records: No significant loss of census records known.

Search 1850 U.S. Census records for free here.

1860 U.S. Census

The 1860 U.S. Census for free inhabitants collected the same information as 1850 census schedule with the addition of an inquiry of the value of an individual’s personal estate. A few Native Americans living in the general population (not on reservations) were included but enslaved persons are still excluded and appear without a name in the separate slave schedule.

The 1860 Slave Schedule was identical to the 1850 schedule (see above). This collection is not available on FamilySearch. It can be accessed on Ancestry.com only with a paid subscription.

A Mortality Schedule that recorded deaths was also taken. See notes for 1850.

Official Enumeration Date: June 1st

Loss of Records: No significant loss of census records known.

Search 1860 U.S. Census records for free here. 

1870 U.S. Census

The 1870 U.S. Census was the first year that previously enslaved persons were listed in the main population schedule by name. Native Americans living in the general population (not reservations) are included in larger numbers for the first time.

This census recorded:

• full name
• state, county, city
• age
• gender
• race
• occupation if over 15 yrs.
• value of real estate/personal estate owned
• place of birth (state or country)
• if father of foreign born
• if mother foreign born
• month if born within the last year
• month if married within the last year
• if attended school in last year
• if can read or write
• is person “deaf and dumb, blind, insane, or idiotic”
• if male over 21 and denied right to vote

A Mortality Schedule that recorded deaths was also taken. See notes for 1850.

Official Enumeration Date: June 1st

Loss of Records: No significant loss of census records known.

Search 1870 U.S. Census records for free here.

1880 U.S. Census

1880 U.S. Census records recorded the number of family/dwelling in order of visitation and the following about each person:

• full name
• state, county, city
• race
• gender
• age (under one indicate month)
• relationship to head of household
• marital status
• was person married in census year
• occupation/trade
• number of months employed in census year
• place of birth
• father/mother place of birth
• if person attended school in past year
• if the individual was literate/illiterate
• if sick/disabled on day of census
• if the individual had one or more types of disabilities/injuries listed as “blind, deaf, dumb, idiotic, insane, maimed, bedridden, or otherwise disabled”

A special census schedule of “Defective, Dependent, and Delinquent Classes” was taken in this year and can be accessed through Ancestry.com with a paid subscription, but is not available for free online.

Native Americans in the general population were identified in the main census if they were not living on reservations.  A “Special Census of Indians” was conducted in this year for those Native Americans who lived on reservations or who were nomadic. You can read more about that on Ancestry. The index is available with a free account on their site. Please note that this is a separate initiative than the later U.S. Indian Census Rolls (see below).

A Mortality Schedule that recorded deaths was also taken. See notes for 1850.

Official Enumeration Date: June 1st

Loss of Records: No significant loss of census records known.

Search 1880 U.S. Census records for free here.

1885 U.S. Census

The 1885 U.S. semi-decennial census is a little known partial census that was conducted in a handful of states. For more information please read our article on the topic. A Mortality Schedule that recorded deaths was also taken. See notes for 1850.

American Indian Census Rolls, 1885-1940

Although this collection is separate from the U.S. Federal Census it was such an important initiative that we felt we must include it. The Indian Census records were conducted each year (not every 10 years) by agents in charge of reservations and were sent to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs – although not all reservations are covered for every year.

Early records included English and/or “Indian” name, age and relationship to head of household. Beginning in 1930 records also included marriage information, degree of Native American blood and more.

You can read more about this census on the National Archives here. This page details exactly what the collection contains, what areas were covered in what years, and where to find the collection online.

Special Census of Deaf Family Marriages and Hearing Relatives, 1888-1895

This special census was conducted in the years 1888-1895 by E.A Fay for the Volta Bureau and collected names, occupations and information about deaf persons and their families. For more about this schedule please see Ancestry.com where an index is available free of charge.

1890 U.S. Census (almost totally lost, see notes)

The 1890 U.S. Census expanded inquires from earlier years to the include the following on a single form per family:

• dwelling/family number by visitation
• state, county, city
• number of families/persons per home and number of people in each family
• full name
• relationship to head of household
• race
• gender
• age
• marital status
• place of birth
• father’s/mother’s place of birth
• length of time in U.S.
• trade/occupation
• whether they were a servicemember/widow of Civil War
• whether naturalized
• marital status and whether married in past year
• if female, how many children/how many living
• number of months in school in past year
• number of months unemployed in past year
• literate/illiterate
• primary language spoken

In addition, questions inquired if person had acute illness, a variety of disabilities, or if person was “prisoner, convict, homeless child, or pauper.” In some cases an additional schedule was completed in reference to disabilities. Several questions were asked per family regarding home/farm ownership/debt.

Loss of Records: There is a near total loss of records for this year. Information on approx 6000 individuals still exists in small portions of the following states: AL, D.C., GA, IL, MN, NJ, NY, NC, OH, SD, TX

The 1890 Union Civil War Veterans/Widows special schedule was to collect information about Union soldiers but many Confederate soldiers were mistakenly recorded as well. Unfortunately, there was an almost complete loss of records for the states of Alabama through Kansas (alphabetically) and for parts of Kentucky. Remaining records can be very useful. See this page on FamilySearch for more information.

The Veterans schedule included the following information:

• name of veteran (include widow if veteran deceased)
• rank
• company
• regiment/vessel
• date of enlistment/discharge
• time in service
• address
• disabilities incurred
• additional relevant information

Official Enumeration Date: June 2nd

Read our article about accessing what’s left of the 1890 census here.

1900 U.S. Census

The 1900 U. S. Census collected the following information per person:

• full address (street and house number as well as state, county city)
• dwelling/family ordered by visitation
• full name
• relation to head of household
• race
• gender
• birth month and year
• age
• marital status and number of years married
• number of children/number living (mothers only)
• place of birth
• mother/father place of birth
• year of immigration/number of years in U.S.
• naturalization status
• occupation/profession
• literate/illiterate
• whether can speak English
• months of unemployment in past year
• months in school in past year

Several questions related to housing were asked including: rented or owned; if owned, was home mortgaged; if individual lived on a farm and this is the first year you can easily locate a full address. If individual lived on farm, ID number linking census record to corresponding agricultural schedule was listed (see note in this guide about nonpopulation schedules).

The 1900 Indian Schedule records can be found with the general population records and recorded information about Native Americans living on reservations and in the general population. The first section of the census schedule was identical to that of the general population, other than to indicate if the individual was wholly or partially dependent on the government. Read more about this schedule here.

This special schedule should not be confused with the American Indian Census Rolls detailed above.

An additional 10 questions on the Indian schedule inquired the following:

• “Indian name”
• tribe
• tribe of mother/father
• citizen status/year acquired
• fraction of lineage that is white
• if individual living in polygamy
• if individual taxed (living in white community or recipient of allotted land by federal government)
• if individual is citizen through land allotment
• and if home “movable or fixed”

Some additional questions were also asked of those living in AL, HI, and on military bases.

Official Enumeration Date: June 1st

Loss of Records: No significant loss of census records known.

Search 1900 U.S. Census records for free here.

1910 U.S. Census

The 1910 U.S. Census was very similar the schedule of 1900. Other than some changes in terminology the significant differences include: fewer questions related to disabilities; individuals were to indicate if they were a survivor of the Union or Confederate Army or Navy; and additional questions regarding employment (employer, employee, self-employed). An inquiry of an individual’s native language was a late addition and therefore indicated in columns 12-14 under “nativity.”

The 1910 Indian Schedule, found as part of the main 1910 census, was similar to the one conducted in 1900 with the addition of the following: percentage of white, black, Indian lineage; has individual graduated from educational institution, if so indicate institution; specific questions related to polygamous relationships; specifics of one’s living situation (land ownership, land allotment, is dwelling “aboriginal” or “civilized”).

Official Enumeration Date: April 15th

Loss of Records: No significant loss of census records known.

Search 1910 U.S. Census records for free here.

1920 U.S. Census

The 1920 U. S. Census general population schedule was similar to that of 1910 but somewhat shorter, excluding some items such as number of years married. Native Americans on reservations were not enumerated separately for the first time.

Information was collected as follows:

• street and house number as well as state, county and city
• dwelling/family by order of visitation
• full name
• relationship to head of household
• if home is rented or owned (if owned indicate if mortgaged)
• gender
• race
• age
• marital status
• year of immigration
• naturalization status/date of naturalization
• school attendance in last year
• place of birth and mother tongue
• mother/father place of birth and native language
• occupation/profession and place of employment

It was also asked if the individual is an employer/employee/self-employed (indicate which); if individual is English-speaking, and if individual is literate. Farmers were to indicate ID number for corresponding farm schedule (see information in this guide about nonpopulation schedules).

About Addresses: 1920 was the first year in which residents were recorded by permanent residence rather than by place they worked or visited. Those without a permanent residence were enumerated in the place they were at time of census.

Official Enumeration Date: January 1st

Loss of Records: No significant loss of census records known.

Search 1920 U.S. Census records for free here.

1930 U.S. Census

The 1930 U.S. Census was essentially the same as the 1920 schedule other than modifications to race classifications and additional marriage information that was added back in (age at first marriage). Individuals that were of mixed racial lineage that included white were to be classified as the other race except for Native American persons that had a small percentage and identified as white. In the case of mixed racial lineage of two minority racial backgrounds, individual was to classify as race of father.

The following states have a Soundex index in which surnames are grouped phonetically: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV.

The 1930 Merchant Seamen schedule recorded individuals on vessels on census day and recorded the following:

• vessel
• owner/address
• port
• full name of seaman
• state or country of birth
• occupation
• whether a veteran/specific war
• address of next of kin

This schedule recorded vessels in the following states: AL, CA, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, ME, MA, MD, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TX, VA, WA, WI.

A special Unemployment Census was also taken during this year but is not available.

Official Enumeration Date: April 1st

Loss of Records: No significant loss of census records known.

Search 1930 U.S. Census records for free here.

1940 U.S. Census

The 1940 U.S. Census expanded information collected on employment and included an additional 16 supplemental questions given to 5% of the population (see notes below).

The following data was collected in the main census:

• street and house number as well as state, county and city
• household in order of visitation
• full name, relationship to head of household
• gender
• race
• age
• marital status
• school attendance in last year
• highest level of education
• place of birth (if not U.S., indicate if U.S. citizen)
• occupation (see additional information below)
• place of residence on 4/1/1935 (if not present dwelling, additional information was collected on previous dwelling), city/town/village of residence, state, country
• if home is rented or owned (indicate value) and if residence is a farm

For persons 14 and older, there were several inquiries about employment for the week of March 24-30, 1940. Individuals were to indicate which of the following applied to them and provide various details: compensated work in private or nonemergency government sector; assigned to public emergency work; seeking work; or other (housework, school, unable to work or other).

Additional information collected included: individual’s occupation/profession, industry or business “class of worker,” number of weeks worked in 1939, total wages, additional income over $50 from other sources, corresponding ID number for Farm schedule, if applicable.

This is also the first year that the housing schedule was conducted.

The supplement questions were included in an additional section at the bottom of each census page and dealt with military service of individual or family members, employment/retirement income questions, marriage and childbearing (female only). Supplemental questions were included for approx. 5% of population. Read our article about this topic here to determine if your ancestors were included.

The following states have a Soundex index in which surnames are grouped phonetically: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV.

Official Enumeration Date: April 1st

Loss of Records: No significant loss of census records known.

Search 1940 U.S. Census records for free here.