U.S. Census Data for Research

Sometimes research projects require analyzing Census data from previous decades. The Census Bureau has undergone a large effort to digitize decades of historic records, and more historic Census data is published digitally every year. But in some cases, especially for detailed data, the only access to the historic Census is physical publications. Government Documents has a complete collection of Census publications back to 1790.  These can be requested through our online catalog, Virgo. Keep in mind that the American Community Survey replaced the long-form Census in 2005. Depending on your years of interest in research, you will look at either the Decennial Census or the American Community Survey's detailed estimates of social and housing characteristics.

To quickly access historic Census data using Social Explorer:

• Navigate to Social Explorer (UVA affiliates only)
• Select “Explore Maps” to explore datasets using an interactive mapping web tool
  • Select the “United States” map for Census Tables
  • Use the Search Bar or Zoom to narrow down specific geographies of interest
  • Select “Change Data” to pick a dataset by Year and Topic
  • Select "Show All Years" to see all years with data available
  • Options for saving or exporting your map include saving your project, exporting the map as an image, and creating a downloadable tabular report from selected geographies on the map 
• Select “Tables” to create a report from a specific survey 
  • Select and add your geographies of interest from the drop-down menus
  • Select and add your tables of interest from the drop menu
  • View the report online or select a method of download
• Select “Data Dictionary and Documentation” for more information on specific variables

See the Social Explorer Guides and Videos for more information. The Social Explorer LibGuide is also a great resource for getting started, as well as diving deeper into specific topics. 

Each year, changes are made to the geographic boundaries in which Census reports data. When researching how a topic has changed over time, you can run into inaccuracies resulting from mismatching geographies very quickly. It is often necessary to develop crosswalks for historical Census geographies to the present. The resources below have developed solutions for researchers looking to make accurate comparisons between Census geographies over time.

For more information regarding topics related to Census geographies, contact the GIS Specialists in the Scholar's Lab.

To learn more about the history of the Census, see the web pages put together by the Census Bureau.  This website provides also detailed information by decade, as well as quick facts. Information on Census innovation, programs, as well as agency and director history, are also accessible through this website. Alec Bartlett published an excellent interactive exploration of the Census over the years on The Pudding. See the article to view images of the historical Census variables, as well as track the evolution of survey items throughout the decades.

See related genealogy research guides from the University of Virginia: