Census Research Guide: 1800

These are computer files intended to be loaded into statistical software for analysis and creating your own tables. In some cases these files can be used with spreadsheet software as well.

Census population schedules (or "name schedules" or "manuscript census") are copies of the original questionnaires collected during each decennial census. They list the individual names and family information of the people enumerated. Unlike the statistics published soon after the census, the population schedules remain confidential for 72 years. 1930 is the most recent population schedule available.

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Highlights

• 2nd decennial census
• US population: 5,308,483

Questions asked

In 1800, assistant marshals recorded the name of the county, parish, township, town, or city in which each family resided. Each family was listed by the name of the head of the household, and was asked the following questions:

• The number of free White males and females aged, respectively:
  • under 10 years of age
  • of 10 years but under 16 years
  • of 16 years but under 26 years
  • of 26 years but under 45 years
  • 45 years and upward
• Number of all other free persons
• Number of slaves

For more information:

• Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790 - 1920

Find all 1800 census publications in the library.

Multi-year census compilations (compare across years): These sources tend to include statistics for large geographic areas (e.g. states), but can be very useful when comparing statistics over time.

Key publications: