About the Census
As required by law, every 10 years the federal government conducts a count of U.S. residents. The first Census was conducted in 1790 and has happened every 10 years since. Except for individually identifiable information collected in the last 70 years, most Census materials are freely available to the public.
The Census conducts many other surveys besides the decennial count, and produces reports and interactive data tools. Census data and reports provide a wealth of information about income, race, education, immigration, voting, housing, and much more for historians, demographers, students, and researchers of all stripes. The Census also conducts regular surveys on agriculture, economics, business, and governments.
2020 Census
- 2020 Census
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This is the official page for the 2020 Census. Click on "Get the facts" to learn about how the decennial Census is conducted on a national and state level. - Minnesota 2020 Census
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This website from the office of the Minnesota State Demographer has information on how the state is preparing for the Census. Resources and media toolkits are available here.
Online Census - from the Census Bureau
There are many sources for Census documents online. Here are some important links.
- Census websiteThis is the Census Bureau homepage. Links to topical pages (i.e. Ancestry, Congressional Apportionment), data products, and the 2010 Census.
- data.census.gov This link opens in a new window
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Statistical population, housing, economic, and geographic data from the United States Census.
- American Community SurveyThe ACS replaced the long form that accompanied the Decennial Census. This is a rolling survey asking a sample of the population detailed questions. The best entries to ACS statistics are through data.census.gov or Social Explorer. ACS microdata are available from IPUMS.
- Censuses: 1790 - 2010Summary reports from every Decennial Census. Available as PDF files.
- Census Population Division Working PapersRich research reports published by the Census, examining specific topics like immigration or poverty as reflected in Census data.
Online Census - Other Providers
- Social Explorer This link opens in a new window
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Quick and easy access to current and historical U.S. census data and demographic information.
- NHGIS"The National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS) provides, free of charge, aggregate census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2012."
- Census Data via IPUMS
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Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) -- Census microdata. - ICPSR - Census dataThis social science data repository provides access to many Census files.
Reference about the Census
The Census has a long and interesting history. In using the Census for your research, you might find it very helpful to turn to reference books to understand how and if questions about major topics were asked over time. There are many, many more books about the Census in both reference and throughout the library. This list is just to get you started.
Encyclopedia of the United States CensusCall Number: Reference HA37.U55 E53 2012 and OnlineAvailability and more information from Catalyst...
Census Atlas of the United States by Call Number: Ready Reference C 3.205/8-3:29 and OnlineISBN: 9781587690105Publication Date: 2007-12-12Availability and more information from Catalyst...
The American People: Census 2000 by Call Number: Reference HA201.122 .A45 2005ISBN: 0871542730Publication Date: 2005-08-01Availability and more information from Catalyst...
Who What and Where of America by Call Number: Reference HA201.122 .W48 2003ISBN: 0890597634Publication Date: 2003-09-22Availability and more information from Catalyst...
Statistical Compendia
These are comprehensive compilations of statistics, published by Census or including Census data.
- Historical Statistics of the United States This link opens in a new window
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Compilation of historical statistics of the U.S., i.e. GDP over time. Also available in print in ready reference: HA202 .H57 2006 v.1-6
Locating the Census in print
The library has documents published from every Decennial Census since 1790. These take up many shelves in the government documents section of the library!
Why look at the print documents? One, you may want to browse as a way to make sure you know what was covered. Two, historical information is not always digitized or available online, particularly for smaller geographies. You will discover some beautiful maps and charts.
It is helpful to just browse the stacks and acquaint yourself with what Census materials we have in the library. Our Census volumes are in the Government Documents area of the library on 1st Libe. The Su Doc (call) numbers for Census begin with I (Department of Interior) for 1790-1900 and C (Commerce) for 1910-forward.
You can also search the library catalog for Census documents we have in print or linked from the catalog.
