Online subscription services are available to access the 1790–1940 census records and many public libraries provide access to these services free-of-charge. Contact your local library to inquire if it has subscribed to one of these services.

What census records are available free online?

The National Archives has the census schedules on microfilm available from 1790 to 1940, and free online access is available through our digitization partners at any National Archives facility.

What is the latest census available online?

Census records can provide the building blocks of your research. The first Federal Population Census was taken in 1790, and has been taken every ten years since. Because of a 72-year restriction on access to the Census, the most recent year available is 1940.