Census Records and Family History

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Census Records and Family History

Individual census records from 1790 to 1950 are maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration, not the U.S. Census Bureau.

Historical census records from past decennial censuses of population are the most requested historical information produced BY the Census Bureau but are not available FROM the Census Bureau. Records from population censuses that occurred over 72 years ago are passed on to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) where they are made available to the public. Personal census records that haven’t been made public by NARA are available only to the individual or legal heirs via the Census Bureau’s Age Search service.

In this section you’ll find links to information about census records that will help you to:

Find public historical census records that the Census Bureau has sent to NARA.
Explore specialized genealogical research guides and tools.
Order your own personal census record through our Age Search Service.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): 1950 Census

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): 1940 Census

BC-600 Application For Search of Census Records [<1.0 MB]

BC-600(SP) Solicitud Para Busqueda De Registros Censales (En Español) [<1.0 MB]

Online subscription services are available to access the 1790–1950 census records. Many public libraries provide access to these services free of charge to their patrons.

Contact your local library to inquire if it has subscribed to one of these services.

The United States has collected data about its population since 1790 and continues to collect data every 10 years. Currently, the National Archives has the 1790 to 1940 census records available to the public.

In addition to the censuses conducted by the federal government, many state censuses have been conducted. Some of these date to the colonial period. Although the National Archives may have some of these records, contact your state or local archives to inquire about their state census holdings.

Genealogical Research with Census Records

Explore our specialized tools and guides to searching and using historical census population records for family history and other genealogical research.

Your Personal Census Record

Learn how to use the Census Bureau’s Age Search Service to purchase an official copy of your personal, confidential census record before public release.

Public Census Records

Learn how to access historical census records that have been sent to the National Archives and Records Administration for public release per the “72-year rule”.

Common U.S. Surnames

Find the most frequently occurring last names or surnames in the United States as tabulated from some of the last few Censuses of Population and Housing.

Nonpopulation Records

Nonpopulation records, such as agriculture, mortality, social statistics, and manufacturing schedules, are available for some census years.

Mortality Schedules

In 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, and 1885, the census included inquiries about persons who had died in the year immediately preceding the enumeration.