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Census Information on Individuals

United States population censuses were taken in 1790 and every 10th year thereafter. Population schedules are available 72 years after the enumeration due to privacy reasons, so the most current population census currently available is from 1940.

U.S. federal census records for Connecticut are available online through different databases, such as Ancestry.com, the FamilySearch website, Fold3, and HeritageQuest. The 1850 census was the first to give the name and age of every person in the household. Before 1850, only the name of the head of household is given, all other individuals are merely counted - i.e., 1 male between the ages of 5 and 10, etc.

For more information about census records, such as colonial and special enumerations, and to see what questions were asked each census year, please see our main Census Guide.

Ancestry.com: CT State Library Collections
- Selected U.S. Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880
- U.S. Federal Census - 1880 Schedules of Defective, Dependent, and Delinquent Classes
- U.S. Federal Census Mortality Schedules, 1850-1885
To access the State Library's materials on Ancestry.com, you will need to create a free, individual account with Ancestry.com. In doing so, be aware that you may receive large amounts of e-mail from Ancestry.com unless you choose to opt out of receiving those e-mails.

FamilySearch
The website of the Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch offers an amazing amount of free digitized genealogical records from all over the world. They are constantly adding records, so be sure to check the site often.

Fold3 Library Edition
Searchable original, historical documents with an emphasis on military records. Available remotely to CT residents with a CT State Library card.
HeritageQuest Online
Family histories, genealogical serials, local histories, and primary sources, including U.S. Federal Census, 1790-1940, and Private Relief Actions, Memorials and Petitions from the U. S. Serial Set. Coverage: All 50 states, Canada and the British Isles.