Census Records Directory

U.S. Census Records for Genealogy

Federal census records, taken every 10 years since 1790, are among the most valuable genealogical resources available. They document household members, ages, birthplaces, occupations, and family relationships. Under the 72-year rule, individual census records are sealed for 72 years from the census date. The most recently released full census is 1950 (released April 2022).

Available Census Years

• 1790–1840 — head-of-household only; other members listed by age and sex groups.
• 1850–1880 — all household members named with ages, birthplaces, and occupations.
• 1890 — most records destroyed by fire; only fragments survive.
• 1900–1940 — fully available with detailed family information.
• 1950 — released April 2022; searchable through the National Archives.

State Census Records

Many states conducted their own censuses in years between federal counts. These records are held by state archives and are accessible through state genealogy portals — use the state links below to find your state's official archives.