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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 1810, 1818, 1820
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.com
online access to population schedules, search by name, place, and other characteristics
Illinois census returns ... edited with introduction and notes by Margaret Cross Norton.
(Collections of the Illinois State Historical Library, vol. 24, 26.)
Main Library Stacks 977.3 I29 v.24 (1810, 1818)
Main Library Stacks 977.3 I29 v.26 (1820)
Contact
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1810 Census
About the 1810 Census
Highlights
- 3rd decennial census
- US population: 7,239,881
- Illinois population: 12,282
Questions asked
In 1810, the slate of questions asked by assistant U.S. marshals was identical to the 1800 census. This census recorded the name of the county, parish, township, town, or city in which each family resided. Each family was listed by the name of the head of household and asked the following questions:
- Number of free White males and females aged, respectively:
- under 10 years of age
- of 10 years but under 16 years
- of 16 years but under 26 years
- of 26 years but under 45 years
- 45 years and upward
- Number of all other free persons
- Number of slaves
Statistics
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:
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Print available in the Library |
Online access |
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Aggregate Amount of each description of persons within the United States of America Gov Ref Census C3/a.3/5 : 1 |
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A Statement of the arts and manufactures of the United States of America |
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| Third Census of the United States, Illinois Territory | From IPUMS |