Census records can be integral building blocks for genealogical research. Information available will vary between type of census and year and some censuses may be for heads of household only. The Research Centers have a comprehensive list of information available on each census. Information could include:
- Name
- Age
- Gender
- Race
- Birthplace
- Marital Status
- Place of enumeration
- Occupation
Census records up to 1950 are available online through partnerships with Ancestry (available to use in the Research Centers) and FamilySearch.
Federal Population Census
The Federal Census counts and records information of all residents of the United States and are released after 72 years. The first census was held in 1790, however the first federal census for Iowa was in 1840 when it was still a territory. The 1840 census covers heads of households only, but all other federal population censuses include all household members. The 1890 census for Iowa no longer exists.
Federal census records are available online up to 1950 through:
- FamilySearch
- Ancestry (available to use in the Research Centers)
Iowa State Census
Under direction by the Executive Council, several state censuses were taken in between the federal population schedules to get an accurate count of Iowa citizens. Records are available online through FamilySearch and Ancestry. Original records are available in the State Archives in RG 81, Secretary of State or RG 36, Executive Council.
| Year | Online Partner |
|---|---|
| 1856 | Family Search Ancestry.com |
| 1885 | Family Search Ancestry.com |
| 1895 | Family Search Ancestry.com |
| 1905 | FamilySearch (Individual Cards) Ancestry (Register |
| 1915 | Family Search Ancestry.com |
1925 (Note: this census has 2-3 pages per individual) | Family Search Ancestry.com |
Special Census (Iowa)
Upon request by a city or county government, special censuses would sometimes be conducted. These exist from 1836-1897 for a selection of counties or towns and typically only list heads of households. Original records are available in the State Archives in RG 81, Secretary of State.
- Special censuses are available to search on Ancestry.
Federal Non-Population Schedules
Non-population censuses were often taken at the same time as the population censuses to get a comprehensive picture of the United States. These include:
Mortality Schedules (1850-1880) which recorded deaths in the year directly before the census (June to May) and are available to search online.
Other non-population schedules available include Agriculture (1850-1880), Industrial (1850-1880), and Social Statistics (1850-1880). These are also available online.
- Ancestry (indexed, does not include the 1880 Social Statistics Schedule)
- FamilySearch (not indexed, can browse the images)