Census Records

Information about the census in the United States of America.

United States government website containing information about the census.

Learn how to research your ancestors.

Find data about the U.S., such as maps and population, demographic, and economic data.

Information on subscription websites and free websites that can help you discover your heritage.

A history of US census records and genealogy, resources to find and search US census records, and a time line of censuses

Introduction to Census Records

Census records can provide the building blocks of your research.  The first Federal Population Census was taken in 1790, and has been taken every ten years since.  Because of a 72-year restriction on access to the Census, the most recent year available is 1940.  The 1950 Census will be released in 2022.

The National Archives houses the records for each decennial census after the Census Bureau releases them to the public.