An official website of the United States government
You are here: Census.gov › History › FAQs › Genealogy FAQs › Does the U.S. Census Bureau have census records online?
Skip top of page navigation
Genealogy FAQs
Also in this Section:
- Where can I view census records?
- How do I request census records that are not available from the National Archives?
- How were census takers instructed on how to conduct the census?
- What questions were asked during each census?
- When will census records be available?
- Can inaccurate information be corrected on census records?
- Why can't I find 1890 census records?
- Does the U.S. Census Bureau publish any genealogy-related books or pamphlets?
- Are blank copies of census questionnaires available?
- Does the U.S. Census Bureau have census records online?
The National Archives and Records Administration is responsible for making census records publicly available. Records are available at National Archives facilities and many large public and university libraries. Visit the National Archives Website to access 1940 and 1950 Census records. Many public libraries also allow their patrons free access to genealogy Websites that have databases of the digitized 1790 to 1950 censuses records. Ask you library if it subscribes to one of these services and how you can access it.
The 1940 through 2000 census records are on microfilm and can be accessed only by the person
named on the record or their legal heir. The 1950 Census records were released to
the public April 1, 2022.
✕
Is this page helpful?
Yes 
No
✕
NO THANKS
255 characters maximum
255 characters maximum reached
✕
Thank you for your feedback.
Comments or suggestions? 
