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.
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.
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
Highlights of the 1900 Census
Questions asked
Address; name; relationship to head of family; sex; race; age; month and year of birth; marital status; number of years married; for women, number of children born and number now living; place of birth of person and parents; if foreign born, year of immigration to the U.S., number of years in the U.S., and whether naturalized; occupation; months not employed; months attended school during census year; literacy; ability to speak English. Supplemental schedules for the blind and for the deaf.
For more information:
Map Coverage of the 1900 Census
For more information:
Statistics from the 1900 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
Key publications:
Print available in the Library |
Online access |
Vol. I: Population. |
|
Vol II: Population. |
|
Vol III: Vital Statistics |
|
Vol IV: Vital Statistics |
|
Vol V: Agriculture |
|
Vol VI: Agriculture |
|
Vol VII: Manufactures |
|
Vol VIII: Manufactures |
|
Vol IX: Manufactures |
|
Vol X: Manufactures |
|
Abstract of the Twelfth Census of the United States: 1900 also Gov Info Microtext (non-circulating) I1302-1 |
|
Twelfth Census of U.S., taken in year 1900 : Statistical atlas. |
|
Supplementary analysis and derivative tables |
|
Child labor in U.S. : based on unpublished information derived from schedules of 12th Census: 1900. Bulletin (United States. Bureau of the Census) ; 69 |
n/a |
Occupations at the twelfth census |
|
Negroes in the United States. Bulletin (United States. Bureau of the Census) ; no.129
|
|
Illiteracy in the United States. Bulletin (United States. Bureau of the Census) ; 26. |
n/a |
Statistics of women at work : based on unpublished information derived from the schedules of the twelfth census, 1900 |
|
Wealth, debt, and taxation also Gov Info Microtext (non-circulating) CIS US Exec MF C305-31 |
n/a |
A discussion of the vital statistics of the Twelfth Census. Bulletin (United States. Bureau of the Census) ; 15 |