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Census

Government Information

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Trillian Hosticka and Angie Taliaferro

This library is a Congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the Government information is guaranteed by public law. 

Alderman Library is the Regional Federal Depository Library for Virginia, and a depository for Virginia, the United Nations, and the European Union.  Government documents can be checked out like other library materials.  Knowledgeable staff are happy to assist you in your research.

 

Census - Overview

Questions about the Census? Reach out to:

The Census of Population and Housing is required by the Constitution and has been taken every 10 years since 1790.  Early on it counted people by sex and race, and that's about it.  Over the years it has evolved and continues to evolve to count a great variety of demographic, economic, and social characteristics of the United States population.  Currently, the American Community Survey provides estimates of many of social and demographic characteristics. 

Need help understanding the basics of Census data? Check out the Library's Census Workshop:

UVA Library owns print Census reports back to 1790. Most of the census reports are held in our off-site storage facility and fall under the C 3.YEAR (C 3.1810:, C 3.1820, etc.) call numbers in our catalog. Email the Depository Librarian featured on this page for assistance.

The resources below provide access to many Census services and products.  Other pages of this guide provide more fine-tuned access to specific years, products, or services.

Interested in the Census for Geneology?

See our related research guides:

Recommended Guides to the Census