Census Records & Research - Finding Your Ancestors in Census Records

russell index

Learn how seemingly small clues buried in census records can lead you to new discoveries about your ancestors.

russell index

Most genealogists find their eyes glazing over when they encounter the columns and head counts of the pre-1850 census enumerations. When used together, however, these early U.S. census records can often provide important clues to early American families.

Sometimes finding an ancestor in the U.S. Census isn't as easy as it should be. Try these census search tips for help in locating those elusive ancestors.

Available online in its entirety, the 1901 British census encompasses 32 million people. Searching the index is free, but you'll have to pay for detailed information and images from the actual census.

Locations of census information in Australia by Cora Num.

Also includes Bristol and Somerset.  Some are available on website, some only offered on CD.

Provided courtesy of GENUKI.

An article by Francis Dowling which explains the lack of census records in Ireland and provides a guide to the 1901 and 1911 censuses, the earliest surviving comprehensive returns.

An early census of the Channel Islands.

An excellent primer on the Norwegian Census.

The Norwegian censuses for 1865, 1875 and 1900 are available for searching online.

Learn what questions were asked and how to find your ancestors in the 1940 census, in this free genealogy guide to the US Federal Census.