The US has taken a census every ten years since 1790. Census records are one of the best ways to follow a family over time.
Good to know
- Census records are released 72 years after the census; the 1950 census was released in 2022
- From 1850, censuses list every person in a household by name
- Before 1850, only the head of household is named
- Most of the 1890 census was destroyed in a fire in 1921
- Ages and spellings aren't always accurate
Where to search
The National Archives provides free access to the 1950 census, and other years are free on FamilySearch and through many public libraries.
General information only. Record access and fees vary by state and archive. Little Oak Journal isn't paid by any genealogy or DNA company.