Early census records can provide much personal historical and genealogical information, including the names of family members, years of birth, location of birth, and profession.
Since census information about specific individuals is not allowed to be released until 72 years after the census is taken, the latest census data on specific people is from 1950.
After the 72 years have passed, the Census Bureau transfers census records to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). NARA is responsible for making the records publicly available for viewing or purchase.
Individuals may request their own records (before they are publicly available) via the Census Bureau's Age Search service. This service provides individual information from censuses that are still protected by the 72-year rule, but only to the named person, his/her heirs, or legal representatives. There is a Congressionally-mandated fee for this service. Individuals interested in requesting a search of their personal census records must complete a form BC-600, Application for Search of Census Records.
Census records can be searched via FamilySearch, a service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FamilySearch does require that you register for the site to access the content and use the embedded tools.
The UNT Libraries offers access to Ancestry Library Edition. This is available to UNT faculty, students, and staff. Community access is only available on designated library computers.
These are some of the most popular guides to using census materials. For more guides, see the U.S. Census Bureau's Genealogy page and the National Archives and Records Administration's Census Records page.
