Census of Population and Housing

Federal Depository Library Program

Return to Government Documents and Information Home


Profile Image

Mary Ries
Contact:
211 Thompson Library
1858 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1285
Phone: 614-688-8770

 Federal Depository Library Logo

Census of Population and Housing

Contents


Introduction

The Decennial Census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.  

The Decennial Census was originally set up to apportion the House of Representatives seats in Congress.

The Decennial Census has been expanded over time to cover other aspects of the American economy.  

The current  Decennial Census is actually two censuses:  1) the Census of Population and 2) the Census of Housing.  Jointly called the Census of Population and Housing.  

The Census of Population and the Census of Housing are taken concurrently every ten years.

Between 1940 and 2000, there were two versions of the census questionnaire.  The short form was asked of every household and covered basic population characteristics.  The long form was asked of about one in six households and covered additional questions on socioeconomic and housing issues. 

In 2010 the American Community Survey replaced the census long form.

Individual responses to the Decennial Census are confidential for 72 years.  The latest Schedule available is 1950, which was released in 2022.

Top


Search Strategy

Preliminary Data is released within a year of the Census being conducted.  National and state level summary data are released first.  Detailed data and data for smaller geographic areas are released over time.  When searching for census data keep the following in mind:

  • Determine the desired Census year(s).
  • Determine the variables needed.
  • Determine the Census geography required.
  • Then select the appropriate resource.

Census data is available for many levels of geography, including states, counties, cities and towns, ZIP Code Tabulation Areas, census tracts, blocks, and much more.  Not all data is available for all geographic levels.  In general, the larger the geographic area, the more likely data will be available.

Increasingly the Census Bureau has been making demographic data available online.  As new data becomes available, older statistics drop out of the database.  Besides materials provided by the Census Bureau, third party vendors also offer census related products.  Other census related materials are held by OSU Libraries and are searchable via the catalog and/or online.

Top


OSU Libraries Specific Resources

The Ohio State University Libraries (OSUL) maintains a collection of United States Census materials produced by the U.S. Census Bureau, commercial publishers, and state agencies.  This collection includes:   

Paper Census volumes, 1790-2010.  A non-circulating collection of decennial census publications is housed in the Thompson Library. Duplicate copies of some volumes may be requested from the Book Depository.

CD-ROMs and DVDs.   The library holds CD-ROMs and DVDs produced by the U.S. Census Bureau, Ohio Department of Development Office of Strategic Research, and other government entities. These products may be borrowed for use on lab or personal computers. Search the library catalog for call numbers and locations.

Databases such as Geolytics. Commercially produced databases based on the U.S. Census. (Available by appointment).

E-resources from the Census Bureau. Search the library catalog for these resources.

Most census materials held are shelved by LC rather than SuDoc number.  OSUL also provides access to census data available via the Internet.   Reference Librarians and Staff are available to provide further assistance.

The OSU Libraries do not collect Census Schedules. They are available at the following Ohio libraries. (Holdings and hours vary. Contact the libraries for more information.)

Columbus Metropolitan Library. Main Library. Local History & Genealogy Services.
Ohio History Connection Archives/Library. (formerly the Ohio Historical Society Archives/Library)
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Main Library. Genealogy and Local History Department.

Indexes to the schedules are available.  Some of which are listed below.

Catalog of NARA Microfilm  
The 1790-1890 Federal Population Censuses:  Catalog of National Archive Microfilm.  (OSU Book Depository)
1900 Federal Population Census:  a Catalog of Microfilm Copies of the Schedules.  (OSU Book Depository)
The 1910 Federal Population Census:  a Catalog of Microfilm Copies of the Schedules.  (OSU Book Depository) 
The 1920 Federal Population Census:  a Catalog of National Archives Microfilm.  (OSU Book Depository)
The 1930 Federal Population Census:  Catalog of National Archives Microfilm. (Not held by OSUL.)
1940 Census:  Official 1940 Census Website.  (National Archives) 
1950 Census:  Official 1950 Census Website.  (Census Bureau) 

Top


Research Guides to Census Related Resources

Census Data. (Federal Depository Library Program – FDLP)

Census:  Get Started. (Boston College. University Libraries)

Census Research Guide:  Home. (University of California – San Diego. The Library)

LibGuides. Gumberg Library Research Guide:  US Census Resources:  Home.  (Duquesne University)

Library of Congress. Research Guides:  U.S. Census Connections:  A Resource Guide.  (Library of Congress)

Research Guide - U.S. Census and Demographic Information:  Census Introduction. (University of Michigan. University of Michigan Library)

Search Census Records Online and Other Resources. (National Archives)

U.S. Census Data. (New York University. NYU Libraries)

United States Census:  Online and Print Sources for the United States Census:  Home.  (Cornell University Library)

University Library. LibGuides - US Census. (Illinois Library)

Top