How to Find US Census Records on FamilySearch

Finding Your Ancestors in US Census Records on FamilySearch

The US Census is a goldmine of information for family historians. Taken every ten years since 1790, these records can reveal details about your ancestors' lives, including their names, ages, places of birth, occupations, family members, and even their addresses. The best part? FamilySearch provides free access to indexed US Census records, making it easier than ever to uncover your family's story!

This guide will walk you through the process of searching US Census records on FamilySearch, so you can start discovering your family's past today. Don't worry if you're new to genealogy – it's easier than you think!

Step 1: Create a Free FamilySearch Account

If you don't already have one, the first step is to create a free FamilySearch account. Go to FamilySearch.org and click the "Free Account" button. Follow the instructions to create your account. It's quick and easy!

Step 2: Start Your Search

There are a few ways to search for US Census records on FamilySearch:

• Directly Through the Search Page:
  1. Navigate to the FamilySearch Search Page.
  2. Under the "Search Records" section, you can refine your search.
  3. Enter the first name, last name, and any other information you have about the person you're searching for (e.g., birth year, place of residence). The more information you provide, the more accurate your search results will be.
  4. In the "Life Event" section, select "Census" from the dropdown menu. You can also add a year range for the census you want to search.
  5. Click the "Search" button.
• Using the Catalog:
  1. Navigate to the FamilySearch Catalog.
  2. Enter "United States Census" in the Place field.
  3. Click "Search."
  4. Browse the results to find the specific census year you are interested in.
  5. Click on the title of the census.
  6. If available, look for a "Digital Images" link to view the records.

Step 3: Review Your Search Results

FamilySearch will display a list of potential matches. Carefully review each result, comparing the details to the information you have about your ancestor. Pay close attention to:

• Name
• Age
• Place of Birth
• Family Members
• Residence (Street Address, City, County, State)

Keep in mind that names may have been misspelled or recorded incorrectly, so be flexible in your search. Try different variations of the name or broaden your search criteria if you don't find what you're looking for initially. US census records might have handwriting that is difficult to read, so it's important to look closely.

Step 4: View the Record Image

Once you find a promising match, click on the result to view the original US Census record image (if available). This allows you to see the actual document and verify the information. Take your time to examine the record carefully. You might discover additional details about your ancestor and their family.

Step 5: Add the Information to Your Family Tree

If you're confident that you've found the correct record, add the information to your FamilySearch family tree. This will help you organize your research and connect your ancestor to their family members. FamilySearch makes it easy to attach records to individuals in your tree.

Tips for Successful US Census Research

• Be patient. Finding your ancestors can take time and effort.
• Try different search strategies. Experiment with variations of names and locations.
• Use wildcards. The asterisk (*) can be used as a wildcard to represent unknown characters.
• Explore surrounding records. Look at the records of people living near your ancestor. They may be related.
• Check other resources. If you can't find your ancestor in the US Census records, try searching other databases and resources.

Finding your family in US Census records on FamilySearch is a rewarding experience. It's a chance to connect with your ancestors and learn about their lives. So, start your search today and see what you discover!