The California Census records date from 1790 - 1930.

California Census schedules are among the most useful resources available to California family historians. This is in a large part due to the details that they can provide. But because of the differences in each census, the questions asked and information provided may vary. Another variable is the availability of indexes, which directly impacts their usability for researchers.

By constitutional requirement, the federal government of the United States conducts an enumeration of the nation every ten years. Since the first census in 1790, the returns from these censuses have become an invaluable source of information for genealogists and others. This collection of census records contains a vast amount of information on millions of Americans.

Although the questions asked and information provided has changed since that first California Census, there is some basic information provided in all indexes. The name of the head of the household is provided from the first census. In 1800, age categorization and residence was added to the other questions regarding slaves, and number of males and females. In 1820, categorization of occupation was added. In 1830, categorization of deaf, dumb, and blind persons was added. In 1850, the name, age, sex, color, place of birth, and literacy was added to the questionnaire. In 1860, the value of real estate was an added feature of the enumeration. And in 1880 the census added questions relative to marital status, and parents' place of birth.

Start your FREE 14-Day Trial to search the California Census