Census

Federal Census

The federal census was taken every ten years beginning in 1790. The most recent federal census available to the public for searching is the 1930. You will find the following information on the federal census:

1800-1810: page number; number of free white males and females (by age); number of all other free persons except Indians and slaves.

1820: page number; residence; number of males and females (by age); number of foreigners not naturalized; number of persons in agriculture, commerce and manufacturing; number of male and female slaves (by age); number of free colored persons (by age)

1830-1840: page number; head of household; number of free white males and females (by age); employment/pensioners; impairment/schools

1850: page number; dwelling and family number; name; age; gender; color; occupation; value of real estate; birthplace; married within the year; attended school within the year; literacy; remarks

1860: page number; dwelling and family number; name; age; gender; color; occupation; value of real estate; value of personal property; birthplace; married within the year; attended school within the year; literacy; remarks

1870: page number; dwelling and family number; name; age; gender; color; occupation; value of real estate; value of personal property; birthplace; are father and mother foreign born; month born in year; month married in year; attended school within the year; can read; can write

1880: page number; dwelling and family number; name; color; sex; age; month of birth if born in census year; relationship to head of household; marital status; married in census year; occupation; miscellaneous; can read; can write; birthplace; birthplace of father and mother

1900: enumeration district; house number; sheet number; line number; name; relationship to head of household; color; sex; month and year of birth; age; marital status; number of years married; mother of how many children; number of these children living; birthplace; birthplace of father and mother; year of immigration; number of years in the US; whether naturalized; occupation; remarks

1910: street name; house number; dwelling number; family number; name; relationship to head of household; sex; color; age at last birthday; marital status; number of years married; number of children born to mother; number of these children living; birthplace; birthplace of parents; year of immigration; citizenship status; language spoken; trade or profession; industry; employer/employee; unemployed within month; number of months unemployed in last twelve months; literacy; school attendance; whether home owned or rented

1920: street name; house number; dwelling number; family number; name; relationship to head of household; whether home owned or rented; if owned, mortgage free; sex; color; age at last birthday; marital status; year of immigration; citizenship status; year of naturalization; attended school in last twelve months; can read; can write; place of birth; native tongue; birthplace of parents; parents' native tongue; ability to speak English; trade or occupation; industry; salaried or working class; whether home is on a farm

1930: address; name; relationship to head of household; whether home owned or rented; value of home or monthly rental fee; whether radio set owned; whether home is on a farm; sex; race; age; marital status and age at first marriage; school attendance; literacy; birthplace; birthplace of parents; language spoken if foreign born; year of immigration; citizenship status; ability to speak English; occupation; whether at work previous day; veteran status; if Indian - whether full or mixed blood and tribal affiliation.

Facts on the Census:

The 1790 Census was typeset, indexed and printed in state volumes around 1906

There were two censuses taken in New York in 1870. The second enumeration was in December. This second enumeration is not indexed, but does include street addresses.

Most of the 1890 census was destroyed by fire. Some schedules do remain, but they do not pertain to the New York City area. However, the 1890 schedule for Union Veterans has survived.

Mortality Schedules

Mortality schedules list individuals who died within the twelve month period prior to the date of the census. The schedules list date and cause of death, as well as other information consistent with the regular census schedules. Mortality schedules exist for the 1850-1880 time period. They can be found at the National Archives (NARA) on microfilm, and at the New York State Archives (SARA) in print form.

Indexes
Statewide indexes for the 1790-1850 censuses are available in book form or on microfiche from the LDS. The 1860-1870 index for Long Island (which includes Brooklyn) is in book form. The 1880 census was originally indexed only for households with children under the age of 10. However, the current CD version of this census available from the LDS is indexed for all households. The 1910 New York State Census is not indexed. You must ascertain the ward and enumeration district from the address of your ancestor in the 1910 directory.

While the 1930 census is indexed for 10 states, New York State is not one of them! You will need to consult the 1930 city directory for your ancestor's address. NARA will have the directory available at the main facility and all branch locations.

The 1880, 1900 and 1920 censuses are indexed according to a method called Soundexing. Soundex is a system of indexing surnames together by how they sound instead of how they are spelled. Therefore, surnames that sound the same but are spelled differently, will be indexed together. (ie: Smith and Smyth) The Soundex Code consists of four digits: a letter followed by three numbers. The letter that begins the code is always the letter that begins the surname. The numbers are assigned to the remaining letters according to the guide.

Below are the steps to soundex code your surname. It is advised that you try it yourself to get the hang of the system. Following the steps will be a link to have your surname automatically soundex coded. This way you can see how you've done.

1. Write out your surname.

2. Write the first letter of your surname on a second line. This letter will begin your four digit soundex code.

3. Strike out the following letters from your surname: A, E, I, O, U, W, Y and H.

4. On the second line (where you've placed the first letter of your surname), write the numbers found in the Soundex Coding Guide for the remaining letters. When you reach a four digit code - the beginning letter followed by 3 numbers - STOP coding. Remember, a soundex code is only four digits long. If you run out of letters in your surname before you reach a four digit code, simply add zero(s).

Soundex Coding Guide
1 = B, P, F, V
2 = C, S, K, G, J, Q, X, Z
3 = D, T
4 = L
5 = M, N
6 = R

Exceptions in Coding
Names with prefixes: If your surname begins with a prefix (Van, De, Le, etc) code the surname with and without the prefix. The surname could be found under either soundex code. NOTE: Mac and Mc are not considered prefixes.

Names with double letters: If your surname has double letters side by side, (Walls, Lloyd) code only one of the letters.

Names with same number side by side: If your surname contains two letters side by side that have the same number from the above Soundex Coding Guide (Jackson 2=C and K) then code only one of the letters.

Click to have your surname automatically soundex coded.

Where to Find Census Records
County Copies
The LDS has all original county copies of the federal censuses (and mortality schedules) with accompanying indexes. The county copies can also be found at the county courthouses. The courthouses will not photocopy the schedules for you, they will merely transcribe them. You will need to contact the courthouse for the current fees and request submission procedure.

Federal Copies
Transcribed federal copies of the census and mortality schedules can be found at the National Archives and its regional branches; the New York Public Library; Cornell University (has only 1790-1850), the New York State Library and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City. The New York State Archives has the mortality schedules. The Queens Public Library has the 1800-1870 census indexes, 1880 & 1900 soundex and the 1910-1920 enumeration district maps.

Many public libraries within New York State have the censuses. If you are not within New York State, you may be able to acquire these microfilms through interlibrary loan. Check with your local public library.

State Census

New York State conducted its own census every ten years, beginning in 1795. Most of the pre-1825 censuses were destroyed in a fire at the state library. Portions do exist for the years 1776, 1783, 1786 and 1814.

The censuses available for the boroughs are as follows:

Bronx: 1905-1925*
Brooklyn: 1885-1875, 1892, 1905-1925
New York City: 1855, 1905, 1915, 1925
*Prior to 1905, you will find the Bronx in with New York City enumerations.

Information Found on the State Census:

Pre-1855: head of household & statistical data.

1855 on: name of everyone in household, age and state of birth

1855-1875: county in New York where born, relationship to head of household, years of residency in town (1855 only)

1865: number of children, number of times married

1865-1875: schedules for marriages and deaths that occured within the previous year

1892: name, gender, age, color, country of birth, citizenship status and occupation

1915-1925: detailed information similar to the federal census

1925: date and place of naturalization

No indexes exist for the state censuses. In order to locate a relative you must have an address, ward and election district number.

Electoral Census
From 1790-1821, New York State enumerated its inhabitants for the purpose of reapportioning its Senate and Assembly districts. The only census to survive for New York City is portions of the 1821, for wards 1, 2, 5-7, and 9. Information contained on this census is:

head of household
house number
street name
number of males in house eligible to vote

The 1821 electoral census can be found at the NYG&BS or the Municipal Archives.

Components of the State Census
The state census is composed of different schedules. The most commonly accessed are the Population Schedules. These sheets list every person enumerated in the home with their personal info such as occupation. However, there are special schedules that many researchers may not be aware of. They are:

Marriage Schedule (1855-1875) - those married within the twelve month period prior to the census. The 1855 does not contain names, while the 1865-1875 do.

Death Schedule (1855-1875) - those who died within the twelve month period prior to the census. The 1855 does not contain names, while the 1865-1875 do. The 1865 also lists military deaths.

Military Schedule (1865) - lists officers and enlisted men serving since 1861.

Agricultural Schedule (1825-1875) - separate sheet for those in the agricultural field.

Industrial Schedule (1825-1875) - separate sheet for those in the industrial fields.

These special schedules can be found at the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society, New York State Library and the Municipal Archives.

Where to find State Census Records
The New York State Archives holds the original manuscript schedules for the 1915-1925 state censuses (Record Groups: A0275 & A0276 respectively). The state censuses are not indexed and the staff of the archives will not search them for you except to provide legal proof of age. The schedules are fragile and use of them is restricted. The State Archives also has Census of Inmates in Almshouses & Poorhouses 1875-1821 Record Group: A1978.
NOTE: This microfilm is arranged by county and institution, then by admission date. It is not indexed. The staff will search the film for you only if you provide the individual's name, place and date of residence.

The Municipal Archives holds the 1855-1915 state censuses for Brooklyn. However, they are not currently accepting search requests by mail. They also have the Almshouse censuses from 1758-1953. These are enumerations of municipal institutions on Blackwell's Island.

The 1915 & 1925 state censuses are on microform at the New York State Library.

Microfilm copies of all the state censuses can be found at the LDS The New York Public Library has the following state censuses on microfilm:

Bronx County: 1915-1925

Kings County: 1855-1875, 1892, 1905-1925

New York County: 1855 & 1905 (Bronx included), 1915-1925

Queens County: 1915 & 1925

The Queens Public Library has the 1915 & 1925 Queens County census.

The New York Genealogical & Biographical Society offers a state census search for members only. They will provide the following information:

Bronx (1915) - assembly district numbers only

Kings County (1855) - ward numbers only

Kings County (1865) - ward and election district numbers

New York County (1855) - ward and election district numbers

LDS State Census Microfilm Numbers
Bronx County
1905 New York State Census, Bronx County
AD 34 ED 20-33 (p 45) # 1433117
AD 34 ED 33(p 46)-45 # 1433118
AD 35 ED 13-31 (p 37) # 1414863
AD 35 ED 31 (p 38)-53(p 35) # 1414864
AD 35 ED 53 (p 34) - 63 # 1414875

1915 New York State Census, Bronx County
AD 30 ED 32-41; AD 32 ED 1-8 # 521954
AD 32 ED 9-31 #521955
AD 32 ED 32-46 #521956
AD 32 ED 47-58 # 521957
AD 32 ED 59-70 # 521958
AD 32 ED 71-74; AD 33 ED 1-16 # 521959
AD 33 ED 17-36 # 521960
AD 34 ED 1-22 # 521961
AD 34 ED 23-48 # 521962
AD 34 ED 49-66 # 521963
AD 34 ED 67-71; AD 35 ED 1-15 # 521964
AD 35 ED 16-30 # 521965
AD 35 ED 31-47 # 521966
AD 35 ED 48-58 # 521967

1925 New York State Census, Bronx County
AD 1 ED 1-32 # 523475
AD 1 ED 33-55 # 523476
AD 2 ED 21-39 # 523477
AD 2 ED 40-58 # 523478
AD 2 ED 59-79 # 523479
AD 3 ED 1-32 # 523480
AD 3 ED 33-48; AD 4 ED 1-15 # 523481
AD 4 ED 16-38 # 523482
AD 5 ED 1-35 # 523483
AD 5 ED 36-48; AD 6 ED 15-1 (filmed in reverse order) # 523484
AD 6 ED 16-29 # 523485
AD 6 ED 30-54 # 523486
AD 7 ED 1-23 # 523487
AD 7 ED 24-37 # 523488
AD 8 ED 1 # 523489
AD 8 ED 31-73 # 523490
AD 8 ED 74-94 # 523491

Kings County
1915 New York State Census, Kings County starting microfilm:
Volume 135-136 # 0525703

1925 New York State Census, Kings County starting microfilm:
Volume 124-125 # 0526405

New York County
1905 Card Index to Street Names & House Addresses NYC (Bronx included)
Abingdon Square - Ave C (208) # 1503835
Ave C (208) - Brook Ave (1531) # 1503853
Broome St - Columbus Ave (1005) # 1503854
Commerce St - Essex St (115) # 1503855
Essex St (115) - Hester St (179) # 1504035
Hester St (179) - Lexington Ave (746) # 1504036
Lexington Ave (746) - Mapes Ave (2111) # 1504037
Mapes Ave (2111) - Park Ave (1171) # 1504038
Park Ave (1171) - St Ann's Ave (339) # 1504039
St Ann's Ave (339) - Union Ave (631) # 1504040
Union Ave (631) - Westchester Ave (1301) # 1504041
West End Ave - York St (17) # 1504042
Avenues A-Z, Institutions, boats & piers, Streets A-Z to E 180st Grand Ave, East 180st Grand Ave - East 184 St # 1504043
First Ave - Second Ave (2499), Third Ave - Sixth Ave (93) # 1504044
Sixth Ave (93) - Tenth Ave (562) # 1504045
Tenth Ave (562) - Thirteenth Ave (158) # 1504091
East 1 St - East 11 St (724), East 11 St (724) - East 29th St (411) # 1504092
East 20 St - East 42 St (139) # 1504093
East 42 St (139) - East 59 St (127) # 1504094
East 59 St (127) - East 74 St (334) # 1504095
East 74 St (334) - East 82 St (249) # 1504096
East 86 St (251) - East 105 St (224) # 1504097
East 105 St (224) - East 119 St (551) # 1504098
East 120 St - East 139 St (1173) # 1504083
East 140 St - East 165 St (1003) # 1504084
East 165 St (1003) - East 227 St (344) # 1504085
West 3 St - West 15 St (144), West 15 St (144) - West 27 St (542) # 1504086
West 28 St - West 41 St (335) # 1613108
West 41 St (335) - West 51 St (516) # 1613109
West 51 St (516) - West 57 St (473) # 1613110
West 68 St - West 85 St (350) # 1613111
West 86 St - West 106 St (40) # 1613112
West 106 St (40) - West 124 St (239) # 1613113
West 124 St (239) - West 137 St (286) # 1613222
West 137 St (286) - West 172 St # 1613223
West 172 St - West 228 St # 1613224

1905 New York State Census, New York County starting microfilm:
Volume 1, ED 1-14 # 1428423

1925 New York State Census, New York County starting microfilm:
Volume 252-253 # 0528887

Queens County
1892 New York State Census, Queens County
Long Island City index v 1-3 Hunterspoint, Blissville, Dutch Kills A-Mana #1851870
Long Island City index v 3-5 Dutch Kills (Mana-Z), v 3 cont'd, Astoria v 4-5 #1851951
Census Long Island City, V 1-5 Newtown, v 6 Jamaica, v 7 Flushing, ED v8 1-5 p 1-20 #1976730
Census Flushing v8 ED 5 (p 20 cont'd), ED 13 Hempstead, v 9 Oyster Bay, v 10 North Hempstead, v 11 #1976731 items 1-4

1915 Queens County Street Index microfilm #1851952

1925 Queens County Street Index microfilm #1851953

Queens County Street Names - Old & New microfilm #1976731 item 5

Municipal Census
New York City took enumerations of its inhabitants from 1795-1829. Very few have survived, with the exception of the following:

1890 New York City Police Census
The 1890 federal census was taken from June 2-17, 1890. Enumerators were paid two cents per name. To be sure that all the questions were answered, enumerators were offered these incentives:

five cents for each veteran or widow enumerated

two cents for every death recorded

five cents for each blind person enumerated

ten cents for each feebleminded pauper enumerated

Persons refusing to answer any of the questions could be fined twenty-five dollars for each question refused. Enumerators who made up the information on their schedules were subject to a two-year imprisonment and fines up to five thousand dollars.

The final tally of the 1890 federal census showed New York's population to be 1,513,501. The Census Bureau felt the final count to be accurate. The Board of Health of New York City did not. They believed the population to stand closer to 1.6 million. New York City was then under democratic control and the low count gave the republicans a good representation in Congress. The city screamed for a recount.

Mayor Hugh J Grant bowed to the Board of Health and ordered an immediate recount. He publicly said the recount would ensure that new schoolhouses (were) properly located, fraudulent registration prevented and (the) right to representation proportionate to (the) population served. Policemen were then ordered to enumerate the districts they patrolled, hence the name Police Census.

The recount was taken from September 29 through October 15. Police enumerated 947 election districts within the city's 24 assembly districts. The information recorded was:

full name of every family member

age

gender

street address

If the family was not present for the enumeration, they were reported as if they were. The police were instructed not to discern between those who resided in New York City and those who merely worked there.

The final count from the second census, the Police Census, stood at 1,710,715. Even though this was much higher than the original federal enumeration, Mayor Grant was not successful in persuading President Benjamin Harrison to order a recount.

The 1890 Police Census is largely unindexed. Searching it is time consuming, but can be done. The LDS recommends this method:

1. Locate your ancestor's address in either the 1890 New York City Directory microfilm # 1000862 or the 1891 New York City Directory microfilm # 1000863.

2. Using 1890 Assembly District Maps of New York City, microfilm # 1304784, determine assembly and election districts for the address you have.

3. Match the assembly and election districts to the correct microfilm numbers.

LDS Police Census Microfilm Numbers

Assembly District 1:
ED 2, 5-7 # 1304777
ED 8-15 # 1304778
ED 16-24 # 1304779
Assembly District 2:
ED 1-13 # 1304779
ED 14-24, 25 (partial), 26-28 # 1304780
ED 25 (partial) # 1309970
Assembly District 3:
ED 1-4 # 1304780
ED 6-24 # 1304781
ED 25-26 # 1304782
Assembly District 4:
ED 1-19 # 1304782
ED 20, 21 (partial), 22-32, 34-37 # 1304783
ED 21 (partial) # 1309970
Assembly District 5:
ED 2-6, 8-13, 15-18, 20 # 1304784
ED 21-27 # 1304785
Assembly District 6:
ED 1-14 # 1304785
ED 16-20, 21 (partial), 22 (partial), 23-25, 26 (partial), 27 (partial)28 (partial), 29 (partial) # 1304786
ED 30-36 # 1304787
ED 21 (partial), 22 (partial), 26 (partial), 27 (partial), 28 (partial),29 (partial) # 1309970
Assembly District 7:
ED 1-2, 5-12, 14-15 # 1304787
ED 16, 18-19 # 1304788
ED 20-24, 26-27, 29 # 1304789
Assembly District 8:
ED 1 # 1304789
ED 3, 4 (partial), 5 (partial), 6 (partial), 7 (partial), 8 (partial), 9 (partial),10, 11 (partial), 12-16 # 1304790
ED 17-18, 19 (partial), 20-21, 22 (partial), 23 (partial), 24-29 # 1304791
ED 30-31 # 1304792
ED 19 (partial) # 1309969
ED 5 (partial), 6 (partial), 7 (partial), 8 (partial), 9 (partial) # 1309970
ED 4 (partial), 11 (partial), 22 (partial), 23 (partial) # 1309971
Assembly District 9:
ED 1-17 # 1304792
ED 18-23, 25-37 # 1304793
Assembly District 10:
ED 1-2, 4 # 1304793
ED 5-26 # 1304794
ED 27-45 # 1304795
Assembly District 11:
ED 1-4 # 1304795
ED 5-9, 11-14, 16-19, 21 # 1304796
Assembly District 12:
ED 1-5 # 1304796
ED 6-12, 13 (partial), 14-20, 22-24, 26 # 1304797
ED 27-35 # 1304798
ED 13 (partial) # 1309970
Assembly District 13:
ED 1-2, 4-5, 7-14 # 1304798
ED 15-19, 21-23, 25, 27-28, 32-33, 36 # 1304799
Assembly District 14:
ED 1-5 # 1304799
ED 6-25, 27 # 1305556
ED 28 # 130557
Assembly District 15:
ED 1, 5-23 # 1305557
ED 24-28, 30-37, 40-41, 45 # 1305558
Assembly District 16:
ED 1-3, 5 # 1305558
ED 6-11 # 1305559
ED 12-16, 18-22 (pages 1-5) # 1305560
ED 22 (pages 4-82)-24, 26, 28-36 # 1305561
Assembly District 17:
ED 1-4, 7-9 # 1305561
ED 10-17, 19-21, 23-26, 28, 30-31, 33-34 # 1305562
ED 35-36, 39-40, 42-45, 47-51 # 1305563
Assembly District 18:
ED 1-5, 7, 9-10 # 1305563
ED 11, 13-14, 16-21, 23, 25-35, 39 # 1305564
ED 40-42 # 1305565
Assembly District 19:
ED 1, 3-5, 7-13, 15, 17-19 # 1305565
ED 20-22, 23 (partial), 24 (partial), 25-33, 34 (partial) # 1305566
ED 35 # 1305567
ED 36-38 # 1312130
ED 39 (partial), 40-42, 43 (partial), 44, 46 # 1305963
ED 47-49, 51-55 # 1309851
ED 56 (partial)-57, 58, 59, 61-62, 64-65 # 1309852
ED 66, 68-69 # 1309853
ED 23 (partial), 24 (partial), 39 (partial), 43 (partial) # 1309970
ED 34 (partial), 56 (partial) # 1309971
Assembly District 20:
ED 1-4, 6-13 # 1309853
ED 14-19, 21-23, 25-30 # 1309854
ED 31-32, 34-38 # 1309855
ED 19 (Lunatic Asylum at Blackwell's Island; Alms House at Blackwell's Island; Penitentary and Work House) # 1309969
Assembly District 21:
ED 1-2, 4, 7-10 # 1309855
ED 11-14, 16-24 # 1309856
ED 25 (partial), 26 # 1309857
ED 25 (partial) # 1309971
Assembly District 22:
ED 2 (partial), 3-6, 8, 10-15 # 1309857
ED 16-18, 19 (partial), 20, 22-28, 29 (partial), 30 # 1309858
ED 31-34, 35 (partial), 36-44 # 1309886
ED 45-52, 53 (partial), 54-58 # 1309887
ED 59, 60 (partial)-69, 70 (partial), 71 # 1309888
ED 72-73, 75 # 1309889
ED 2 (partial), 19 (partial), 35 (partial), 70 (partial) # 1309970
ED 29 (partial), 53 (partial), 60 (partial) # 1309971
Assembly District 23:
ED 1-2, 3 (partial), 4 (partial), 5, 6 (partial), 7-8, 10 # 1309889
ED 11, 12 (partial), 14-19, 21-22, 23 (partial), 24 (partial) # 1309890
ED 25 (partial), 27-33, 34 (partial), 35-38 # 1309891
ED 39-46, 47 (partial) # 1309892
ED 48-63 # 1309965
ED 64-76, 78-80 # 1309966
ED 81 # 1309967
ED 24 (partial) (Ward's Island) # 1309969
ED 3 (partial), 4 (partial), 6 (partial), 12 (partial), 23
(partial), 25 (partial), 47 (partial) (Randall's Island Hospital) # 1309970
ED 34 (partial) # 1309971
Assembly District 24:
ED 1, 3-13 (partial) # 1309967
ED 14 (partial)-26, 29 # 1309968
ED 30-41 # 1309969
ED 13 (partial), 14 (partial) #1309970

The Municipal Archives has the 1890 Police Census, however, they are not currently accepting search requests by mail.

Jury Census
These New York City enumerations were taken to compile an accurate list of qualified jurors. The only surviving schedules are portions of the 1816 (Wards 1-3, 5, 8 and 10) and the 1819 (Wards 1, 2, 4-6, 8-10).

Information taken includes:
Name, house number, street name, occupation, freeholder value, personal estate value, age, reason for jury exemption (see below), total number of eligible jurors in house and number of inhabitants.

Included on these censuses, but exempt from jury qualification: women, people of color, aliens, the aged, military personnel, journeymen, firemen and professionals - such as lawyers.

The 1816 & 1819 jury censuses can be found at the Municipal Archives and the NYG&BS.

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