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Once every ten years, the federal government exerts efforts to take a "head count" of each citizen in the country through the census. Census records provide American leaders with a wealth of information pertaining to the population, including details about socio-economic status, racial diversity, as well as bringing to light additional details about the country's population.
Why does the Government Collect Census Data?
Since the government only collects census data once every ten years, the information gathered from the census is considered to be historically valuable. Information obtained from the census surveys provides government leaders with accurate information on the nation's citizens; with this information, leaders are able to make informed decisions about the distribution of federal and state funds.
Specifically, with the census reports, the government can identify locations that require more public facilities and resources, including fire stations, schools, police stations, and more.
Can Citizens Access Census Information?
While the census information provides the government with valuable insights into the population, individual citizens also possess the legal right to access and view census documents. While all statistical and percentile data is available for public access, individuals' private and personal details are protected with confidentiality for 72 years. Therefore, the personal information collected in the 2010 census will not be open for public access until 2082.
How Can I Access Census Records?
Census records date back all the way to the early 1900s. Individuals can investigate and research census records by utilizing resources such as: The National Archives office and/or branch offices, state libraries and free online search engines available at the National Archives website.
The NARA does not provide online access to census records. To obtain official census records you must first review the microfilm catalogs available through the NARA website and narrow down the location of the information you are looking for.
Census record information is available to the public from 1790, when the first federal census was conducted, to 1930. Census data after 1930 is not yet available because there is a 72 year restriction on accessing census information for privacy reasons. Most genealogy researchers, however, find that the 1930 census is a great starting point for family tree research.
Information available on census records includes: family member names, age during that year, place of birth, parent's birthplaces, year of immigration, address, marriage status, year of marriage, occupations, home values and much more.
To retrieve census records from the National Archives & Records Administration follow these steps:
Step 1: Look through the NARA's Online Microfilm Catalog to locate the record you need reproduced. To reference tips for searching through the catalog click here.
Step 2: Download the National Archives Order for Copies of Census Records Request Form.
Step 3: Fill out sections 1-7 (and 8 when applicable). These include reference number, census year, state or territory, country, township, head of household name, page number and enumeration district. If information regarding other household members is known, provide it in section 9.
Step 4: Provide payment in the amount of $25. If paying by credit card, fill out section C with the appropriate credit card information. If you plan on paying by other means wait for your census copies to arrive. Attached will be an invoice from the NARA.
Step 5: Mail your completed form to the address below and wait 90 days for processing and delivery.
Step 6: For expedited delivery order your records online at Eservices.Archives.Gov/Orderonline. You'll have to create a username and password to log into your own account and commence the order process.
Archives 1 Reference (NWCT1F-Census)
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