Individual and household records

You can access individual and household U.S. Census records (from 1790 to 1950) for free through several online and physical resources. This includes names, ages, gender, race, birthplaces, occupations, education, and income details. Digital images of the original handwritten census forms, including maps and descriptions of enumeration districts, are also available.

Due to a 72-year privacy rule, records more recent than 1950 (such as the 1960–2020 censuses) remain confidential and will only be released once that 72-year period has passed. Records from the 1960 Census are scheduled to be released in 2032.

Free Online Databases

  • FamilySearch.org: This is the most comprehensive free source for searching individual census records from 1790 to 1950. You must create a free account to view the digitized images and indexed transcripts.
  • National Archives (NARA): You can search digitized population schedules directly through the National Archives. While not all years are fully indexed by name in the main catalog, major years like 1940 and 1950 have dedicated search portals.
  • 1950 Census Portal: A specific site maintained by NARA for the most recently released census records, offering name and location search tools.

Local and Institutional Access

If you want to use premium services like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage for free, you can do so through these locations:

  • Public Libraries: Most public libraries offer "Ancestry Library Edition" for free to patrons. Many also provide access to HeritageQuest, which can often be used from your home computer with a valid library card.
  • National Archives Facilities: Visitors to NARA facilities (such as those in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, or Seattle) can use the computers for free, unlimited access to Ancestry and other subscription genealogy sites. For more information visit Archives.gov/research/start/plan-your-visit.
  • FamilySearch Centers: These local research centers offer free access to many paid genealogical databases that are usually restricted. Find a FamilySearch Location

Accessing Recent Records (1960–2020)

Because these records are still private, you cannot access them for free unless they are your own. You can request a transcript of your personal record (or those of a deceased person if you are an heir) through the Census Bureau Age Search Service by filing Form BC-600; however, there is a mandated fee for this service.