For more info...
-
Encyclopedia of the U.S. CensusThe history, politics, content, procedures, and uses of the decennial census of the American population. See the entry under "History of Decennial Censuses". Includes bibliography for each census through 2010.
Raw Data Files
These are computer files intended to be loaded into statistical software for analysis and creating your own tables. In some cases these files can be used with spreadsheet software as well.
Population Schedules
Census population schedules (or "name schedules" or "manuscript census") are copies of the original questionnaires collected during each decennial census. They list the individual names and family information of the people enumerated. Unlike the statistics published soon after the census, the population schedules remain confidential for 72 years. 1930 is the most recent population schedule available.
- Ancestry.comonline access to population schedules, search by name, place, and other characteristics
Contact
Need help? Use the Ask-A-Librarian reference service, or call us at (847) 491-7656, during Research Assistance Desk hours.
To consult with a government information specialist by appointment, contact govinfo@northwestern.edu
About the 1850 Census
Highlights of the 1850 Census
- 7th decennial census
- US population: 23,191,876
- Illinois population: 851,470
- First census to include California. Note: federal enumerators conducted the census in 1850. California also conducted a state census in 1852. Both results are included in the 1850 census publications. The federal census of 1850 is missing Contra Costa, San Francisco, and Santa Clara counties. They are included in the 1852 state census.
- First time additional "social statistics" (information about taxes, schools, crime, wages, etc) was gathered.
- First census to use a person (rather than household) as the basic unit of enumeration.
Questions asked
Name; age; sex; race (white, black or mulatto); whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, or idiotic; value of real estate; occupation; place of birth; whether married within the year; school attendance; literacy; whether a pauper or convict. Supplemental schedules for slaves; public paupers and criminals; persons who died during the year.
For more information:
-
Population and Housing Items on the General Census Schedules 1790 - 2000Chart; from University of Michigan
Map Coverage of the 1850 Census
For more information:
Statistics of the 1850 Census
Multi-year census compilations (compare across years): These sources tend to include statistics for large geographic areas (e.g. states), but can be very useful when comparing statistics over time.
Digitized Data Sources
- National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS)
Hosted at the University of Minnesota, provides aggregate census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2014. Open access to data, although users must create an account. - Social Explorer - subscription database, access to NU-affiliated users only.
Includes Census data 1790-present along with other datasets on health, crime, and other topics. US emphasis but other national data is also available. Data can be mapped or data tables extracted.
Key publications:
|
Print available in the Library |
Online access |
|
The seventh census of the United States, 1850 : embracing a statistical view of each of the states and territories ... Gov Info Census C 3/a. 7/ 5: 1 (reprint) |
|
|
Manufactures in the several states and territories for the year ending June 1, 1850; abstract of the statistics of manufactures, according to the returns of the seventh census, condensed from the digest completed under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in conformity with the first section of the act of June 12, 1858, by Jos. C.G. Kennedy. |
|
|
Mortality statistics of the seventh census of the United States, 1850 ... Gov Info Census C 3/a. 7/ 5: 2 (reprint) |
|
|
Report of the Superintendent of the Census for December 1, 1852 |
|
|
Compendium. Statistical view of the United States, embracing its territory, population--white, free colored, and slave--moral and social condition, industry, property, and revenue... Gov Info Census C 3/a. 7/ 2: C73/1 (reprint) |