Decennial Census Questionnaires
- Census Questionnaires or SchedulesView Census questionnaires back to 1790
- Decennial Census of Population and Housing Questionnaires & InstructionsInstructions to enumerators back to 1790
Government Publications and Patents & Trademarks Librarian
The U.S. Census
Welcome to the U.S. Census Data & Statistics Research Guide! This guide is designed to help you navigate and access a wealth of data and statistical resources provided by the U.S. Census.
The U.S. Census Bureau the United States leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. Census counts of every U.S. resident are conducted every 10 years, with the most recent census count administered in 2020. By law, all U.S. residents are required to take part in the census. To protect people’s privacy, all personal information collected by the census is confidential for 72 years. The most recent year of the census population schedule available is 1950. From 1790 to 1840, only heads of households were listed by name on the census forms. When using a census that names only the head of households, search for other records (such as marriage indexes), with that name to find other household members not listed in the census.
Census data is important because it is a key source of information about population demographics like race and ethnicity, poverty rates, educational resources, home ownership, and countless other aspects of our social and economic life. Census data's provision of the current facts and figures about America's people, places, and economy also dictates federal funding and spending for public services like schools, roads, hospitals, and other public works. Census data is also used to determine house many seats each state is allotted for the House of Representatives.
Read about the uses of Census Bureau Data in Federal Funds Distribution.
See how the 2020 Census changed representation in the House.
Individual census records from 1790 to 1940 are maintained by the
Print Materials on Census History
These print resources provide general background information on the development of the decennial and economic census programs. Links to digital content are provided for each resource.
200 years of U.S. census taking : population and housing questions, 1790-1990. by Call Number: C 3.2:T 93Publication Date: 1989
The American Census by Call Number: Electronic ResourceISBN: 9780300195422Publication Date: 2015-08-25
The American Census Handbook by Call Number: CS49 .K4 2001ISBN: 9780842029247Publication Date: 2002-01-01
County and City Extra by Call Number: Electronic ResourceISBN: 9781598888041Publication Date: 2015-06-24
Online Materials on Census History
These online resources from the Census Bureau also provide general background information on the development of the decennial and economic census programs.
Click the image below to check out some famous and infamous census records from 1790-1950!
1940 Census - The Roosevelts. [1940] National Archives and Records Administration.
The census tells us who we are and where we are going as a nation. The census helps our communities determine where to build everything from schools to supermarkets, and from homes to hospitals. It helps the government decide how to distribute funds and assistance to states and localities. It is also used to draw the lines of legislative districts and reapportion the seats each State holds in Congress.
Click the links below to explore 230 years of census data!
- Reports and statistics from the 1790 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1790 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1800 CensusThese publications contain the official results of the 1800 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1810 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1810 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1820 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1820 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1830 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1830 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1840 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1840 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1850 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1850 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1860 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1860 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1870 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1870 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1880 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1880 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1890 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1890 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1900 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1900 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1910 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1910 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1920 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1920 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1930 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1930 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1940 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1940 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1950 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1950 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1960 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1960 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1970 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1970 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1980 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1980 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 1990 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 1990 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 2000 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 2000 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 2010 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 2010 Decennial Census.
- Reports and statistics from the 2020 censusThese publications contain the official results of the 2020 Decennial Census.
U.S. Census Data Surveys & Programs
In addition to the Decennial Census, the Census Bureau collects data about the economy and the people living in the United States from many different sources. Some data is collected from respondents directly (including businesses), through the censuses and surveys conducted. Primary sources for additional data comes from federal, state, and local governments, as well as some commercial entities. This type of data is generally called “administrative data," which is data collected and maintained by agencies used to administer (or run) programs and provide services to the public. The Census Bureau combines administrative data with survey and census data.
- American Community Survey (ACS)The American Community Survey is the premier source for information about America's changing population, housing and workforce.
- Census of GovernmentsIdentifies the scope and nature of the nation's state and local government sector including public finance and public employment and classifications.
- Decennial Census of Population and HousingThe U.S. census counts every resident in the United States. It is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution and takes place every 10 years.
- Economic CensusThe Economic Census is the official five-year measure of American businesses providing comprehensive statistics at the national, state, and local levels. Follow the 2022 Economic Census release schedule for additional information.
- Census Surveys & ProgramsCensus surveys provide periodic and comprehensive statistics about the nation. This data is critical for government programs, policies, and decision-making.
- Census of AgricultureConducted by the USDA every five years, the Census provides a detailed picture of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. It is the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the United States.