Library Contact
Clark Library
Hatcher Graduate Library 2 South
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
About Historical Census Data
Historical data from the Census can be more difficult to find and use than current data. Census methods have changed, and questions have altered over the years. If you are looking for historical data, here are some sources that might help you.
- The Evolution of the American Census, from The PuddingVisualization that shows how census questions changes over time
- Measuring America:The Decennial Censuses from 1790 to 2000For background information on each census including instructions given to enumerators
- Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census: from the Constitution to the American Community SurveyProvides a resource to the history, politics, content, procedures, and uses of the decennial census of the American population, including the fallout from the 2000 census and recent issues affecting the administration of the 2010 count
Finding Historical Census Data on Small Towns
- Decennial Census Official PublicationsThe Census Bureau has digitized the historical print volumes and made them available in PDF. Each decade is organized differently. Look for Population Statistics volumes. If you have trouble downloading files try using a different browser
If you want to use the print volumes the historical census collection is in the Hatcher Library, in the North Stacks on floor Basement A
The call number is HA 201 [decennial census year]
Digitized Census Schedules
The Census Schedules or the Enumeration Schedules are the handwritten forms that were filled out by census takers. These forms have been microfilmed and digitized. The National Archives and Records Administration digitized the 1940 census schedules. Private companies like Ancestry have digitized the others.
NARA maintains a list of links for searching schedules online
Another option is MyHeritage which allows you to lookup individuals to see their census schedule for decennial censuses that are more than 72 years old
- MyHeritage Library Edition This link opens in a new windowResources for historical & genealogical research including over 9 billion historical records from all over the world.