National Archives Census Records
A guide to U.S. federal census records for family-history research.
This National Archives resource explains how to research U.S. federal census schedules from 1790 through the latest publicly released census. It organizes guidance by census year and topic, with links for searching records online, learning how census records work, ordering copies, visiting research rooms, and finding additional help.
Why it stands out
- Comes from the official custodian of U.S. federal archival census schedules.
- Covers the full public federal census range from 1790 through 1950 in one hub.
- Includes specialized census categories beyond standard household population schedules.
- Connects explanatory research guidance with practical next steps for access, copies, and in-person research.
Good to know
- Public access is limited by the 72-year census restriction, so records after 1950 are not available here.
- Many schedules are digitized through partner organizations, so actual name searches may lead away from the National Archives site.
- Some records or copies may require ordering, microfilm use, a research-room visit, or help from an independent researcher.
Under the radar: For ancestor searches, start with the newest available census where the person should appear, then work backward year by year to avoid losing track of families across moves, name changes, and household splits.
Photos
Genealogists tracing U.S. ancestors use it to understand which census years and record types can identify earlier generations. Look up guidance for a specific census year before searching digitized records. Learn about nonpopulation census materials such as agriculture, business, manufacturing, mortality, and Indian Census Rolls. Find options for ordering official copies or planning research at a NARA facility.
Year-by-year census research pages; topic guides for population and nonpopulation census records; links to online search options; FAQs and clues for interpreting older census schedules; guidance on copies, microfilm, research rooms, and independent researchers.
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- FamilySearch — familysearch.org
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- Findmypast — findmypast.com
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