Locating ancestors in the US Census is a rewarding find. The first census was in 1790 and has been taken every 10 years since then. Currently the years 1790 through 1930 are available for researchers looking to document individuals. Those looking for general demographics can access information through the 2000 census. Census records are available at the National Archives and satellite centers, Family History Centers, most state archives and larger libraries, and online through free and for fee services.

The US census went through many changes since its inception in 1790. The 1790 census is only useful if you know the name of the head of family. This census lists names heads of household, and then has counts for the following categories: free white males 16 years of age and older (this includes the head of household), free white males under 16, free white females, all other free persons, and slaves. The census date was August 2 1790 and it was supposed to be completed in 9 months. The 1790 census is available for the following states: CT, ME, MD, MA, NH, NY, NC, PA, RI, SC, and VT. So what can we learn from this census? We can see who the head of household is. It also shows us who is living in the same area as our ancestor. This is particularly useful in determining other family members. Slave ownership can be determined. Also, the category of other free persons can include emancipated slaves, Native Americans not living on reservations, and all other free nonwhite individuals.

The next census was in 1800. The census has changed very little. It still only lists the names of the heads of the household. Then free white males and females are listed in the following categories with total counts -- males and females are in different columns: under 10 years old, 10 to 15 years old, 16 to 25 years old (includes head of household), 26 to 44 years old (includes heads of household) and 45 years old and older (includes heads of household). Also included as tick marks are all other free persons, and slaves. The census date was August 4, 1800, and it was supposed to be completed in 9 months. 1800 Census records exist for the following states: CT, DE, Washington DC, ME, MD, MA, NH, NY, NC, PA, RI, SC, and VT. Again, this census can tell us about the heads of the family, slave ownership, and if they were free and nonwhite.

The 1810 Census had no change to the format of the census. The information collected was exactly the same as for the 1800 census. This census date was August 6, 1810. Records for the 1810 census are available for the following locations: CT, DE, LA Territory, ME, MD, MA, NH, NY, NC, PA, RI, SC, TN (only partial records exist), VT, and VA. Again, we can see only who was the head of the family, who owned slaves, and who was considered a free- nonwhite.

The 1820 census had little change from the 1800 and 1810 census. The census date was August 7, 1820. The information collected for free white females is exactly the same as for the 1800 and 1810 census. Free white males were almost the same; however, free white males ages 16 to 18 years of age were counted separately. This was for possible military service. All other information collected was the same. You can see how much the country has grown. There are records available for the following locations in 1820: CT, DE, Washington DC, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MS, NH, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, and VA. Again, we can tell who was head of household, who is a slave owner, who was considered nonwhite and this census gives us the ages of young men who are between 16 and 18. This can help in narrowing down who your ancestor could be.

The 1830 census changed in how much detail was collected. The ages for free white people were broken out into more categories. Other free persons and slaves were now counted by gender and age instead of just a single group. This is particularly helpful to those researching nonwhite and slave ancestors. You will now be able to see approximate ages and gender for these groups. All groups were sorted by the following age categories (males separate from females, any ages over 15 included heads of household in the count): under 5, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, 80 to 89, 90 to 99, and 100 years old and older. The census date was June 1, 1830. There are records available for the following locations: AL, AR, CT, DE, Washington DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, and VA.

The 1840 census saw more changes. Census day was June 1, 1840. Free whites were classified the same way as in the 1830 census; however, those who were considered blind, deaf, dumb, an idiot or insane were noted and these were broken down by gender and age and listed by name. Those who were over 20 years old and could not read or write were also counted. Also, the category for free persons has changed to free colored persons and they were listed by gender and age. Slaves were still counted and again listed by gender and age. Certain industries were also included. If anyone in the household was employed in the following fields, it was noted: mining, agriculture, commerce, manufactures, navigation (water), learned professions and pensioners for the Revolutionary War or other military action (listed by name and the event). Finally, a lot more information can be derived from this census! You will know if your ancestors were literate (in English). You will know if they were in certain industries or if they served in the military (and which military action they participated in). If they were blind, deaf, dumb, insane, an idiot or likely to be a public charge, it was noted. If your ancestor was a freed slave or free person of color, you now had their name, approximate age and gender. Slaves were still only listed by age and gender, but it does help if combined with other records. You can view records of the 1840 census for the following areas: AL, AR, CT, DE, Washington DC, FL, GA, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, and WI.

The 1850 census changed a lot. Taken on June 1, 1850, this census was the first to really collect personal information. Houses were numbered in the order that they were visited in. Families were also numbered in the order they were visited in. The name of every person in the household was given! The following information was collected on every individual: age, gender, race (white, black or mulatto), profession of males over 15, value of real estate owned, place of birth, if married within the past year, if attended school during the past year, people over 20 who cannot read or write and if they were deaf, dumb, blind, insane, idiotic, pauper or convict. This opens up the door to so much more information. We can tell the names of everyone living in the household as well as their age and occupation. We can tell if they owned real estate (time to check land records!). For those researching slave ancestors, there is a separate schedule that lists the owners and names of the slaves they kept. For genealogists, this was the first major census that really gives us a snapshot of live in that year. So much information can be gleaned from the 1850 census; it pays to carefully research your ancestors found on this census. You can view records for the 1850 census for the following locations: AL, AR, CA, CT, DE, Washington DC, FL, IN, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MS, MO, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, Utah Territory, and VT.

The 1860 census was very close in collecting the same information as the 1850 census. The census day was June 1, 1860. There is a separate slave schedule for this year as well. It is the last time there was a slave schedule, as by 1870 slavery was officially abolished. Locations that can be searched in the 1860 census are: AL, AR, CA, CT, Dakota Territory, DE, Washington DC, FL GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, Nebraska Territory, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, Oregon Territory, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, Utah Territory, VT, VA, and WI.

The 1870 census saw further changes in the information collected from individuals. There were further distinctions of race, and for the first time, questions about citizenship were asked. There were changes in how age was reported; now they want to know age at last birthday (instead of just age). Race now includes white, black, mulatto, Chinese or Indian. The value of real estate owned and the value of your personal estate was asked. Place of birth is asked, as well as if parents were of foreign birth. If someone was born or married within the year, the month was stated. All persons were asked if they could read or write, and male citizens who were 21 and older were also listed. You can view this census for all states and territories in the US at the time.

The 1880 census brought huge changes again. The biggest change for genealogists is that family relationships are now listed! So now you know who is a child or spouse, you have their names, ages, literacy, occupation, and a wealth of other information. The 1880 census can be viewed for free online and http://www.familyhistory.org . If you want to view images online, you will have to look into one of the for fee services or check http://www.usgenweb.com. If you have ancestors listed in the 1880 census, research them very carefully. With the exception of very few placed, the 1890 census does not exist due to a fire in the Commerce Building. Just about all US states and Territories have 1880 census records available to view.

The 1890 census is mostly not available for research. This is unfortunate because unlike prior census, every family had their own page. In addition, even more personal data was collected. The following fragments are available to researchers, parts of: AL, Washington DC, GA, IL, MN, NJ, NY, NC, OH, SD, and TX. Keep in mind that only a few counties in each of the previously mentioned states are available. If you happen to have ancestors residing in one of these counties, you're in luck! There is also an 1890 Veteran's Schedule which does survive. It is available online at http://www.ancestry.com and there is a fee to view it. However, if your ancestor was a veteran of any war up until that time, it is well worth looking at this record group. The information that can be found is name and address, spouse's name (if she is filing a widow's claim for pension) and what branch of the military and what conflict they served in. If you find an ancestor on this schedule, it means that you should also start looking for a pension file.

The 1900 census is very similar in information collected to the 1880 census. There is more emphasis on citizenship and birth places of individuals and their parents are collected. There was a special census relating to Indians, those in Alaska and Hawaii, and those in the military. The census date was June 1, 1900. Forty-five states have available information as well as the District of Columbia (Washington DC). Also, the month and year of birth was noted for every individual. We are now beginning to see the census evolve from what was just a head count to a rather nosy process. Careful research of the 1900 census will give you your ancestors name, age, date of birth, occupation, marital status, family information, citizenship status, place of birth, literacy, and if they served in the military. This is why census research is so important to genealogists.

The 1910 through 1930 census are the last census available for individual research. The next census -- 1940, should be released sometime after 2011. The information recorded for these census years is very similar to the 1900. The major differences are that only age is listed after 1900, they do not have birth dates. More citizenship information is recorded, including arrival year in the US. In 1930, people were asked if they owned a radio set. Monthly rent paid or real estate value was noted and it was also mentioned if the property was mortgaged or not. If you start in the 1930 census and follow your ancestors backward through the census, you will get a very clear picture of their family life. These censuses are available for all states and territories.

In addition to the US Federal Census, just about every state of the union had its own state census taken. These census are done in years that a Federal Census is not. Some places to note are in New York City there was a policemen's census done for the city. There is also a 1905 New York State census that is available for research. North Carolina had a census taken every 10 years (ending in 5) as well. It is important to look at these census in addition to the Federal Census. These census records fill in the gaps between the Federal Census. They can give us a better picture of our ancestors lives, as we combine the information gleaned from both state and Federal census we can get a better "snapshot" of the families we are researching as the years between the information is now shortened. The information contained in the state census varies greatly from state to state. It is important to know how to research these. State census records are not available online. You will have to research them the old fashioned way – going to the state archives and looking at rolls upon rolls of microfilm.

The importance of the US and State censuses to family research cannot be over stated. We can see family patterns of migration. Many times families that were related traveled together. Economic status can be seen by looking at property owned and the address or occupation. Literacy in the census is defined by being able to read and write English. If your ancestors were immigrants, they may have been literate in their native tongue but not in English. Even the pre 1850 census records give us clues to how our ancestors lived, and where they lived. Going backward through the census will allow you to see when your ancestors first arrived here if it was after 1790. By tracing the census from 1930 backward you get a really good picture of a family throughout important times in American history.