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Census Data

Every 10 years, the United States government is required to count all of its citizens. This is a guide to the Decenniel Census. The government not only tries to count all of us, but also gather different types of data about all of us.

Introduction

"The federal census has proved to be a rich source of material for genealogists, historical researchers, and social scientists, for these decennial stocktakings are a storehouse of facts and figures about the American people. The information is found on the original handwritten census returns (the schedules) compiled by the census takers as they visited all types of households and homes throughout the nation. The data gathered on the original returns provided the basis for the published volumes."

[Provenzano, Dominic. "Baker's Federal Population Census Schedules." Dartmouth College Library Bulletin 20 (NS), no. 1 (Nov. 1979): 39-49].

Finding Census data for Genealogists

17th century census information

The following list includes only those published records or schedules (both printed and microfilm) that provide information on individuals or families.

Please note: Our collection of schedules are limited to early New England and/or New Hampshire and Vermont.

18th century census information

1790, 1st Federal Census

Includes the name of family head; free white males of 16 years and up, free white males under 15; free white females; slaves; other persons.

For other census years, click here to go to the guide for Genealogy.