U.S. Federal Census

The census of the United States has been taken by the federal government every ten years beginning in 1790. The National Archives in Washington, D.C. has microfilmed many of the original population schedules from 1790 until 1920. Census records are arranged by state and county. Researchers should remember that census records often contain misspellings, inaccuracies and omissions. Census information is available at public libraries, Family History Centers (operated by the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints), The National Archives, and several companies make Census records available to rent or purchase.

Use the sites below to obtain more information on the Federal Census process.
Finding Treasures in the U.S. Federal Census

The Soundex Machine

Census Name Search (1990)
See how many people in the U.S. share your surname. Also searchable by gender. From the U.S. Census Bureau.

1930 Federal Population Census
The 1930 census and all existing soundex indexes will become available on April 1, 2002 at the National Archives Building, Washington, DC and at Regional Facilities in 13 major cities.

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