Census of Population and Housing (Decennial Census) Information
Census Questions (Variables) | Census Maps and Geography | Catalogs and Guides
Additional Indexes and Databases | Finding Census Information in the OSU Libraries
Census Data Center
Overview
The Census of Population and Housing, or Decennial Census actually is two Censuses taken concurrently. The Census of Population, taken every ten years since 1790, counts the number of people and some personal, social, and economic characteristics. The Census of Housing, taken since 1940, counts the number of residential dwellings and selected physical and financial characteristics.
Uses
- Reapportionment - the U.S. Constitution requires the use of Census data in determining the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives.
- Redistricting - Census data is used to determine voting district boundaries with States.
- Government agencies, businesses, social, and non-profit organizations use Census data to determine need and best locations for services. Additional information on government uses of Census Data can be found in Preparing for Census 2000: Questions Planned for Census 2000: Federal Legislative and Program Uses.
Preliminary Data is released within a year of the Census. National and state level summary data are released first. Detailed data and data for smaller geographic areas are released over time.
Not all data is available for all geographic levels. In general, the larger the geographic level, the more data available.
Hints:
- Determine the desired Census year(s).
- Determine the variables needed.
- Determine the Census geography required.
- Then select the appropriate resource.
U.S. Law requires that Census schedules and questionnaires (individual responses) be kept confidential for 72 years. After 72 years, the National Archives releases microfilm copies of the schedules and questionnaries. 1790 through 1930 schedules are currently available. For more information, see the National Archives and Records Administration - Genealogy Page
The OSU Libraries do not collect Census schedules. They are available at the following Ohio libraries. (Holdings and hours vary. Contact the libraries for more information.)
- Ohio Historical Society Archives/Library
- State Library of Ohio Genealogical Room
- Cincinnati Public Library History and Genealogy Department
- Catalog of NARA Microfilm
- 1870-1890 Federal Population Censuses (Main Ref HA 37 U54 1997)
- 1900 Federal Population Census (Main Ref HA 37 U552 N33)
- 1910 Federal Population Census (Main Ref HA 37 U5475 1982)
- 1920 Federal Population Census (Main Ref HA 37 U548 1991)
Historical Census Data (1790-1990)
- United States Department of Commerce. Bureau of the Census. Historical Statistics of the United States.
- Selected data from 1790-1970, most tables are national level, some state tables.
[Main Ref HA 202 A385 1976]. Older editions in Main Stacks.
Online: Part 1 | Part 2 - ---.Statistical Abstract of the United States. Annual.
- Data drawn from a variety of sources including the Censuses of Population and Housing.
Most tables are national, some state and metropolitan area tables.
The County and City Data Book, supplements the Statistical Abstract by
providing tables for smaller geographic areas.
[Main Ref HA 202 year]. Older editions in Main Stacks.
Online - ---. Selected Historical Census Data
- Population counts (State and County) 1790-1990, Urban and Rural population 1900-1990,
and Housing tables 1940-1990.
- Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research. United States Historical Census Data Browser.
- Selected data from 1790-1960 Censuses in table format. Includes national, state, and county
data.
- University of Minnesota. Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS).
- Sample data from 1850-1880, 1900-1920, and 1940-1990 Censuses. Intended for researchers
who need sub-samples of census data for local manipulation.
- QueryLogic. MicroAnalyst.
- CD-ROM application combining the University of Minnesota's IPUMS datasets with custom
software. Users may create tables or extract data for manipulation.
[Census Data Center,
Ask at Main Library Reference Desk]
- Census Index
- A work in progress. The index covers decennial census reports published between 1790 and 1997 (1st through 21st censuses). Many of the reports are held by OSU Libraries. See also Individual Census volumes and CD-ROMs.
1990 Census Data
Sources listed above, plus:- United States Department of Commerce. Bureau of the Census.
Census Bureau Population Topics and Household Economic Topics.
- ---. American FactFinder
- Tables, thematic maps, and reference maps.
- ---. Data Access Tools.
- 1990 Decennial Census Lookup, Data Extraction System, and other
interactive tools.
- University of California, Berkeley. Social Science and Government Data Library.
- SSTF 1 (Foreign Born), 2 (Ancestry), 3 (Hispanic Origin),
4 (Asian and Pacific Islander), STF 1 and 3, TigerLine
- Statistics and Data Sets: Population and Housing
- Data Sets section provides links to sites maintaining files that can be downloaded for local manipulation.
2000 Census
- United States Department of Commerce. Bureau of the Census. American FactFinder.
- Tables, thematic maps, and reference maps.
- ---. Census 2000[web page].
- Census Bureau's homepage for Census 2000 information. Links to demographic profiles,
ranking tables, redistricting data, and more.
Data Products at a Glance provides the release schedule, formats, and lowest level geography for each product.
Census 2000 Briefs and Special Reports Briefs provide overviews of selected topics, special reports provide in-depth analyses.
Special Tabulations links to selected tabulations sponsored by organizations or agencies other than the Census Bureau. - ---. Preparing for Census 2000: Questions Planned for Census 2000: Federal Legislative and Program Uses
- Overview of federal agencies using census data, including how they use it and
the laws requiring the use of census data. (1997 paper version, Preparing for Census
2000: Subjects Planned for Census 2000: Federal Legislative and Program Uses,
available in Documents Collection C 3.2:P 91/2)
- Ohio Department of Development. Office of Strategic Research. Ohio's Census 2000 Population
- Ohio specific Census information. Includes counts by county, place, and school district.
Thematic maps. Files added as data is released by the Census Bureau.
- ICPSR.Census 2000 at ICPSR
- Data files to be downloaded for local manipulation. Including Redistricting (PL 94-171),
Summary, PUMS, and TIGER files.
- Missouri Census Data Center. PUMS 2000
- 5% PUMS files for States and the District of Columbia converted to SAS datasets.
Description of PUMS data, tips for accession the data, and data extraction tools
available at website.
- University of California, San Diego, Social Sciences Data Collection. Census 2000 Quick Links
- Describes and provides links to available data. Includes Redistricting Data,
Demographic Profiles, Summary Files 1, 2, and 3, and Supplementary Survey Summary Tables.
Also includes links to additional resources. Note: focus is on California, access to some
files restricted.
- Statistics and Data Sets: Population and Housing
- Data Sets section provides links to sites maintaining files that can be downloaded for
local manipulation.
Updates and Projections
- Demographics USA New York: Market Statistics. Annual
- County Edition 1996. [BUS Ready Ref HF 5415.3 D 462];
1994-. [MIC fiche SRI year C1200-2].
Zip Edition 1996. [BUS Ready Ref HF 5415.3 D 463]; 1994-. [MIC fiche SRI year C1200-6].
City Edition 1996. [BUS Ready Ref HF 5415.3 D 46]; 1994-1997. [MIC fiche SRI year C1200-7].
Population, age, sex, race, occupation, employment, income, and household data. Provides current population estimates and five year projections. - Ohio Department of Development. Office of Strategic Research.
- Population estimates for Ohio and Ohio counties, County Profiles (including a variety of
social, economic, and demographic characteristics), and other resources.
- Sourcebook of ZIP Code Demographics. Arlington, VA: CACI Marketing Systems. Annual. 1998.
- [Main Ref HA 214 S 682]. Older editions in Main Stacks.
Estimates and five year projections on population, race, age, income, and household data by Zip Code. - United States Department of Commerce. Bureau of the Census. Statistical Abstract of the United States. Annual.
- [Main Ref HA 202 year, MIC CD-ROM HA 202 1994-1997].
- ---. Census Bureau Web Pages.
- Current Population Reports series (PDF files), the American Housing
Survey (summary data readily accessible, other data can be extracted),
American Community Survey, and other resources.
- ---. Current Population Reports. [Index]
-
Population Characteristics (P-20) [Main Ref HA 1952 A 3]
Special Studies (P-23) [Main Ref HA 195 A 325]
Population Estimates and Projections (P-25) [Main Ref HA 195 A 33]
Consumer Income (P-60) [Main Ref HC 110 I 5 A 35]
Household Economic Studies (P-70) [Main Ref HA 203 C 87]
- ---. American Community Survey
- The American Community Survey eventually will replace the Census long form. Information about the survey is provided at this site. (1996- data available via American FactFinder and on CD-ROM [MIC CD-ROM HT 334 U 5 A 45].)
Census Questions (Variables)
Census questions vary from Census to Census. The 1790 Census, for example, counted the number of free white males age 16 and up, free white males under 16, free white females, other free persons, and slaves. Only the names of heads of families were recorded. Later Censuses gathered considerably more detail, including (beginning in 1850) the names of all individuals.*
1990 and 2000 Census variables are reproduced below. See United States Historical Census Browser, Enumerator Instructions, or Measuring America for more information on earlier Censuses.
| Population | ||
|---|---|---|
| 100% Data | ||
| 1990 | 2000 | |
| Household relationship | Household relationship | |
| Sex | Sex | |
| Race (must select one) | Race (may select multiple races) | |
| Hispanic Origin | Hispanic Origin | |
| Age | Age | |
| Marital Status | ||
| Sample Data | ||
| 1990 | 2000 | |
| Social Characteristics | Social Characteristics | |
| Education--enrollment and attainment | Education--enrollment and attainment | |
| Place of birth, citizenship, and year of entry to U.S. | Place of birth, citizenship, and year of entry to U.S. | |
| Ancestry | Ancestry | |
| Language spoken at home | Language spoken at home | |
| Migration (residence in 1985) | Migration (residence in 1995) | |
| Disability | Disability | |
| Fertility | Grandparents as caregivers | |
| Veteran status | Veteran Status | |
| Marital Status | ||
| Economic characteristics | Economic characteristics | |
| Labor force | Labor force | |
| Occupation, industry, and class of worker | Occupation, industry, and class of worker | |
| Place of work and journey to work | Place of work and journey to work | |
| Work experience in 1989 | Work status in 1999 | |
| Income in 1989 | Income in 1999 | |
| Year last worked | ||
| Housing | ||
| 100% Data | ||
| 1990 | 2000 | |
| Tenure--owned or rented | Tenure--owned or rented | |
| Number of units in structure | ||
| Value of home or monthly rent | ||
| Congregate housing (meals included in rent) | ||
| Vacancy characteristics | ||
| Sample Data | ||
| 1990 | 2000 | |
| Year moved into residence | Year moved into residence | |
| Number of bedrooms | Number of bedrooms | |
| Plumbing and kitchen facilities | Plumbing and kitchen facilities | |
| Telephones in unit | Telephones in unit | |
| Vehicles available | Vehicles available | |
| Heating fuel | Heating fuel | |
| Year structure built | Year structure built | |
| Source of water and method of sewage disposal | Number of rooms | |
| Condominum status | Value of home or monthly rent | |
| Farm residence | Farm residence | |
| Shelter costs, including utilities | Shelter costs, including utilities | |
| Number of units in structure | ||
Sources: Census '90 Basics and Census Bureau website.
Census Maps and Geography
Census Maps- Census Tracts
- Franklin County Census Tract Maps (1980-2000 Censuses) are posted in the
Main Library Reference Area.
2000 Census Tract Maps for Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Madison, and Pickaway Counties are available in the Reference Office. Ask at Reference Desk.
1980-1990 Census Tract and BNA maps for other Ohio locations are held in the Reference Office.
1970 Census Tract Maps for Columbus are in the Census Data Center files.
1960 Census Tract Maps for Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Dayton are in the Census Data Center files.
1990 Census Tract Maps for the entire U.S. are available on Microfiche (ASI fiche 1993 No. 2551-10).
- Block Maps
- 2000 Block Maps for the Columbus MSA (Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison,
and Pickaway Counties) are available in the Reference Office.
1990 Block Maps for Central Ohio (Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, and Madison Counties) are available in the Reference Office.
1990 Block Maps for other areas can be created, see Map Librarian for details.
1970 Columbus Block Maps and 1980 Block Maps for Ohio Metropolitan Areas are held in the Census Data Center.
1980 Block Maps for other areas available on microfiche (C 2.224/5:PHC 80-). - Older maps
- Pre-1990 census maps frequently were bound in or shelved with Census volumes.
- Electronic Mapping Resources
- Tiger/Line CD-ROMs, see Map Librarian for details
1980 and 1990 Census CD, see Map Librarian for details
Tiger Mapping Service
American Factfinder (See Finding Census Tract and Block Group Statistics)
Census 2000 Redistricting Map Products - PDF format Census Tract, County Block, and Voting District Maps.
Historic Columbus Tracts (Franklin County only) 1940, 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980 - PDF format.
Census Geography
| Examples | ||
|---|---|---|
| United States | United States | |
| Region | Midwest | |
| Division | East North Central | |
| State | Ohio | |
| Metropolitan Area | Columbus MSA | |
| Urbanized Area | Columbus | |
| County | Franklin | |
| Minor Civil Division /Census County Division | Perry Township | |
| Place | Worthington | |
| Census Tract / Block Numbering Area | 11.20 | See illustration below |
| Block Group | See illustration below | |
| Block | ||
Geographic Relationships - County to Block
Source: Factfinder for the Nation, No. 8: Census Geography--Concepts and Products
Definitions
- Census Block
- The smallest Census unit. In cities, a census block is equivalent to one city block.
In less populated places, a census block is an area containing roughly 70 people.
2000 Census Blocks are numbered with a four digit number. 1990 Census Blocks are numbered with
a three digit number. The first digit of the number represents the Block Group.
- Block Group
- The smallest unit at which Census sample data is reported. An average block group contains
about a thousand people. There are up to nine block groups in a Census Tract.
- Census Tract (and in 1990, Block Numbering Areas)
- A small subcounty area, usually containing about 4,000 people. Census tract boundaries
are determined locally, following Census Bureau guidelines. In 1990, State and Census Bureau
officials set Block numbering area boundaries for portions of the state, usually rural counties,
for which census tracts have not been established. In 2000, the entire country is represented
by Census Tracts.
At the time of designation, Census tracts are relatively homogeneous in terms of population characteristics. Census tract boundaries are relatively stable over time, the homogeneity, therefore can lessen. If a tract's population becomes too large, the tract may be divided. Alternately, if the population shrinks, tracts may be merged.
Census tract boundaries do not cross County Lines. Each tract within a County has a four digit number. If a tract has divided, a two digit suffix is added to the tract number (example 11.20). Census tracts may cross political boundaries within a County. These tracts are referred to as Split Tracts. [(pt.) printed after a tract number in a city table, indicates that only data for the part of the tract within the city is included in the table.]
- Place
- There are two types of Census Places, Incorporated Places and Census Designated Places.
Incorporated places include cities, towns, and villages, based on the laws of the state.
Census designated places are densely populated, non-incorporated places, that are locally
identified by name. The Census Bureau designates these places at the request of the local
government.
County tables may have (pt.) printed after a place name. This means that the place crosses county lines and only data for the part of the place in the specified county is included in the table.
- Minor Civil Division / Census County Division
- Minor Civil Divisions (MCDs) are unincorporated county subdivisions (usually townships).
MCD function and authority vary from state to state. In Ohio, if a place is subordinate to an
MCD, the place name will be indented under the MCD in County Subdivision tables.
If the place is autonomous, its name will not be indented.
Census County Divisions (CCDs) are created by the Census Bureau and local governments when adequate MCDs do not exist. They are statistical equivalents of MCDs.
- County
- Large governmental subdivision of a state. County equivalents (Louisiana Parishes,
for example) are considered the same as counties for Census purposes.
- Urbanized Area
- A place and densely populated surrounding area with a total population of at least 50,000
people.
- Metropolitan Area
- A place (or group of places) with a population of at least 50,000 people and surrounding
counties with strong social and economic ties to the place.
- State
- The 50 United States, and statistical equivalents--the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,
American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and U.S. Virgin Islands. The last five,
frequently are referred to as outlying areas.
- Division
- The 9 Census Divisions are New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, and Connecticut), Middle Atlantic (New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey),
South Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida),
East South Central (Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi),
West South Central (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas),
East North Central (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin),
West North Central (Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas),
Mountain (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada),
and Pacific (Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, and Hawaii).
- Region
- There are 4 Census Regions, Northeast (New England and Middle Atantic Divisions),
South (South Atlantic, East South Central, and West South Central Divisions),
Midwest (East North Central and West North Central Divisions), and
West (Mountain and Pacific Divisions).
- United States
- The 50 states and the District of Columbia. Data for Puerto Rico and outlying areas also are collected.
Catalogs and Guides
- Anderson, Margo J., editor Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census. Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2000.
- [Main Ref HA 37 U55 C66 2000 c.3]
Provides an overview of Census concepts and issues from 1790 to the present. Includes thematic maps, tables, and charts. - Barrett, Richard E. Using the 1990 Census for Research. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications 1994.
- [Main Ref HA 201 1990 B37 1994 c.2]
Provides an overview of the 1990 Census and issues and problems in using Census data. - Census Index
- Indexes publications of the 1st through 21st Decennial Censuses (1790-1990).
- Current Population Reports.
- Series and subject indexes to the Current Population Reports. Includes links to online
versions of reports when available.
- Dubester, Henry J. Catalog of United States Census Publications 1790-1945. Washington: GPO 1950.
- [Main Ready Ref Z 7554 U5 U62]
Standard reference for historic census publications. Call numbers for 1950 OSU holdings penciled in margins. (Search Oscar by call number for current locations and holdings.) - Finding Census Tract and Block Group Statistics
- Basic instruction on locating Census Tract and Block Group numbers and finding data
in print and electronic sources.
- Kaplan, Charles P. and Thomas L. Van Valey. Census '80: Continuing the Factfinder Tradition. Washington: GPO 1980.
- [Main Ref HA 201 1980 K36]
Discusses the U.S. Census from its origins (1790) through 1980. Appendix A "Population and Housing Items on General Schedules 1790-1970" is especially useful. - Lavin, Michael R., Jane Weintrop, and Cynthia Cornelius. Subject Index to the 1990 Census of Population and Housing. New York: Epoch Books, 1997.
- [Main Ready Ref HA 201 1990 F3 1997 c.2]
Index to tables in print and CD-ROM Census products. Also provides definitions of Census terminology. - Lavin, Michael R. Understanding the Census. New York: Epoch Books, 1996.
- [Main Ref HA 201 1990 L37 1996]
Detailed explanations of census terms, products, and uses. - Schulze, Suzanne. Population Information in Nineteenth Century Census Volumes. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1983.
- [Main Ref Z 7164 D3 S44 1983]
Census questions, geographic areas, and citations to and detailed contents of census publications for each of the first eleven (1790-1890) censuses. - ---.Population Information in Twentieth Century Census Volumes: 1900-1940. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1985.
- [Main Ref Z 7164 C3 S45 1985]
- ---. Population Information in Twentieth Century Census Volumes: 1950-1980. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1988.
- [Main Ref Z 7164 D3 S46]
Census questions, geographic areas, and citations to and detailed contents of census publications from the 12th to 20th(1900-1980) censuses. See Lavin (above) for 21st (1990) census information. - United States Department of Commerce. Bureau of the Census. Census Catalog & Guide. Annual, 1980-.
- [Main Ready Ref Z7554 U5 U322]
Census products available for sale by the Census Bureau and Government Printing Office. Updated by Monthly Product Announcement [Main Ready Ref Z7554 U5 U574]. - ---. Census '90 Basics. 1993.
- [DOCS C3.2:B 29/993]
Overview of the 1990 census. Explanations of census geography are especially useful. - ---. Factfinder for the Nation. Series.
- [Census Data Center/Documents Office, Ask at Main Reference Desk].
Series of topical brochures. 1. Statistics on race and ethnicity. 2. Availability of census records about individuals. 3. Agricultural statistics. 4. History and organization. 5. Reference Sources. 6. Housing statistics. 7. Population statistics. 8. Census geography: concepts and products. 9. Construction statistics. 10. Retail trade statistics. 11. Wholesale trade statistics. 12. Statistics on service industries. 13. Transportation, communications, and utilities statistics. 14. Foreign trade statistics. 15. Statistics on manufactures. 16. Statistics on mineral industries. 17. Statistics on governments. 18. Census Bureau programs and products. 19. Enterprise statistics. 20. Energy and related statistics. 21. International programs. 22. Data for communities. - ---. 1990 Census of Population and Housing Guide. Washington: GPO 1993.
- [Main Ready Ref HA 201 1990 A567]
- ---. Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses From 1790 to 2000
- An overview of the history of the U.S. Census of Population and Housing.
Includes information on population schedules. (Previous edition -
200 Years of U.S. Census Taking: Population and Housing Questions, 1790-1990 available
in Census Data Center/Documents Office.)
- York, Grace. University of Michigan Documents Center: Guide to Updating the 1990 Census of Population and Housing.
- Provides links to, and descriptions of, more current resources.
- ---. University of Michigan Documents Center: 1990 Census Data Locator.
- Census questionnaire facsimile, list of census products, census terminology, links to other online sources.
- ---. University of Michigan Documents Center: Census Toolkit.
- An overview of the 2000 Census. Includes discussion of racial concept, census geography, and specific data products.
Additional Indexes and Databases
- LexisNexis Statistical (OSU only)
- Indexes U.S., State, and international statistical sources.
Includes links to selected online resources.
(Paper: ASI -American Statistics Index, SRI - Statistical Reference Index,
and IIS-Index to International Statistics available in Reference.)
- LexisNexis Congressional (OSU only)
- Select Congressional Indexes, 1789-1972. Many 19th Century census publications
were included in the U.S. Serial Set. This source indexes the Serial Set and other
Congressional publications. (Paper: U.S. Serial Set Index available in Reference.)
- GPO Monthly Catalog (OSU only)
- Locate census materials distributed to depository libraries since 1976. (Paper: Monthly Catalog of Government Publications available in Reference) [Note: most census materials at OSU Libraries are shelved by LC rather than SuDoc number.]
Finding Census Information in the OSU Libraries
Many Census volumes are shelved in the Main Library Reference Census Collection. Circulating copies may be available from the OSU Book Depository. Most 1990 Census CD-ROMs are kept behind the Periodicals/Microforms Desk.- Census Index - 1st through 18th (1790-1960) OSU Libraries holdings are indicated.
- Census of Population and Housing CD-ROMs held by OSU Libraries.
Searching OSCAR:
Subject:
The Library of Congress Subject Heading for U.S. Census Material is
United States--Census, then the number of the desired census.
Search OSCAR by subject to find materials on a specific census.
For example, to find 1st Census (1790) items, type "United States Census 1st"
To find 21st Census (1990) materials, type "United States Census 21st"
1 1790 4 1820 7 1850 10 1880 13 1910 16 1940 19 1970 22 2000
2 1800 5 1830 8 1860 11 1890 14 1920 17 1950 20 1980
3 1810 6 1840 9 1870 12 1900 15 1930 18 1960 21 1990
Call Number:
Many U.S. Census material Library of Congress Call Numbers begin HA 201 year
Search OSCAR by call number to find materials on a specific census.
For example, to find 12th Census (1900) items, type "HA 201 1900"
To find a specific publication from the 1st through 16th censuses, search by the call number penciled in the Catalog of United States Census Publications 1790-1945.
Title: Search OSCAR by title when the exact title of the desired publication is known.
Author:
The author for historic U.S. Census material is United States. Bureau of Census.
The OSU Libraries hold thousands of publications by this agency.
Author searches are not recommended.
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Please send any questions or comments to: moeller.63@osu.edu
Created by: Sherry Engle Moeller. Last Modified: 15 November 2004.