Census - Decennial

Genealogical resources are not in this guide.

This guide focuses on the published reports of the U.S. Decennial Censuses, and not the schedules (which list names).

For genealogical resources, please see our History & Genealogy reference unit.

From the Census Bureau website - press release (https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-kits/2022/1950-census-records.html():

"The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is scheduled to digitally release the 1950 Census population records on April 1, 2022. This release is in accordance with the "72-Year Rule" (92 Stat. 915; Public Law 95-416; October 5, 1978) that states that after 72 years, NARA is responsible for releasing to the public decennial census records."

NOTE: The Name Index will NOT be available when the records are first released.

There will be a "built-in transcription feature to correct and add names to the name index."

This Connecticut State Library Guide leads to key U.S. Census and demographic information resources on the Web and in the State Library, with an emphasis on Connecticut statistics.

We have a comprehensive collection of statistical census information, as well as individual returned related to Connecticut.

From the Census Bureau site:

"The census tells us who we are and where we are going as a nation. The census helps our communities determine where to build everything from schools to supermarkets, and from homes to hospitals. It helps the government decide how to distribute funds and assistance to states and localities. It is also used to draw the lines of legislative districts and reapportion the seats each State holds in Congress."

U.S. Decennial Census of Population and Housing

"The U.S. census counts each resident of the country, where they live on April 1, every ten years ending in zero. The Constitution mandates the enumeration to determine how to apportion the House of Representatives among the states." site: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html

The Decennial Census is actually two censuses: the Census of Population, beginning in 1790, which counts population and records demographics; and the Census of Housing, beginning in 1940, which counts residential units and selected physical and financial characteristics.

Detailed information on the U.S. Decennial Census is available at the U.S. Census page:

From the U.S. Census Bureau site (posted on several pages for historic censuses):

"A Note on Language
Census statistics date back to 1790 and reflect the growth and change of the United States. Past census reports contain some terms that today’s readers may consider obsolete and inappropriate. As part of our goal to be open and transparent with the public, we are improving access to all Census Bureau original publications and statistics, which serve as a guide to the nation's history."