Census 2020: Census History & Research

A guide to the 2020 Federal Census

Making Sense of the Census in New York

An online exhibit curated by Heidi Ziemer of the Western New York Library Resources Council, with assistance from Jessica Johnson, Archival Services Coordinator at WNYLRC.

It is online through New York Heritage: https://nyheritage.org/exhibits/making-sense-census-new-york

Taking census, ca. 1920. Source: National Photo Company Collection, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress Online Catalog

Online Resources for Census Data

U.S. Census Bureau
The definitive source for census data
Explore Census Data
Official Census Bureau search interface
Data.gov
The home of the U.S. Government’s open data. Data, tools, and resources to conduct research, develop web and mobile applications, design data visualizations, and more.
Census of Agriculture
Includes links to all censuses of Agriculture from 1840-2007. Current reports include state data, county data, Congressional district data, market value of ag products, and median farm size.
National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS)
NHGIS provides aggregate census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2000.
Selected Historical Decennial Census Population and Housing Counts
Includes population of states and counties 1790-1990, population and housing counts 1790-1990, population of the 100 largest cities 1790-1990, and more.
Measuring America: the Decennial Censuses from 1790 to 2000
A publication elucidating the history of the Federal Census

Fate of the 1890 Census

Most of the 1890 census was destroyed, learn more about this tragedy from the National Archives.

New York State Census

Library Database

Ancestry Library Edition This link opens in a new window
Historical census data is available through Ancestry.com

Historical Census Records

New York State Library Digital Resources

New York State Census
The titles listed are the published statistical schedules compiled from the original returns under the direction of the Secretary of State which describe the population and economy of counties, cities and towns in New York State. Instructions for the enumerations taking the census have also been digitized, as well as, several preliminary reports.

Niagara County Community College. Henrietta G. Lewis Library. 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132 | 716-614-6786