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Research Guides

U.S. Decennial Census: 1840

Decade by decade information about how to access and use U.S. Census reports.

Census By Decade

1790  1800  1810  1820  1830  1840  1850  1860  1870  1880  1890  1900

1910  1920  1930  1940  1950  1960  1970  1980  1990  2000  2010  2020

About the 1840 census

Highlights

  • 6th decennial census
  • US population: 17,069,453
  • First census to include questions about education

Questions asked

  • Name of head of family
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Race
  • Slaves
  • Number of deaf and dumb
  • Number of blind
  • Number of insane and idiotic and whether in public or private charge
  • Number of persons in each family employed in each of six classes of industry and one of occupation
  • Literacy
  • Pensioners for Revolutionary or military service

Coverage

map of the united states in 1840

Map of coverage of the 1840 census.

For more information: Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790 - 1920 (GovPub Reference HA195 .T46 1987)

Population Schedules

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. 1950 is the most recent population schedule available.

Statistics

Census statistical reports feature population data by race, condition of servitude, State, county, and town for the 1840 census. They also include data by sex and by age group.

More Information from the US Census Bureau

Census Compilations

Data Sources

Contact

Need help? Call the Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers help desk at (206) 543-4164 during desk hoursYou can also consult the 24/7 Ask Us! reference service.