This is a guide to the print resources in the Connecticut State Library's collection that highlight commonly requested tables with Connecticut information from the U.S. Decennial Censuses. It is not an exhaustive list.
It is recommended that the introductory sections be read first. These sections included important information on how to use the data, such as explaining terms used in the different censuses.
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."
"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."
