Research Guides
U.S. Decennial Census: 1840
Decade by decade information about how to access and use U.S. Census reports.
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 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.
- Population schedules of the sixth census of the United States, 1840
Online via Internet Archive - 1840 United States Federal Census Search Database
Online via Ancestry Library (only available with UW NetID)
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.
- Sixth census or enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States: as corrected at the Department of State, in 1840.
Print copy via UW Libraries - Statistics of the United States of America, as collected and returned by the marshals of the several judicial districts, under the thirteenth section of the act for taking the sixth census, corrected at the Department of State, June 1, 1840.
Print copy via UW Libraries - A census of pensioners for revolutionary or military services with their names, ages, and places of residence, as returned by the marshals of the several judicial districts, under the act for taking the sixth census.
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - Compendium of the enumeration of the inhabitants and statistics of the United States as obtained at the Department of State, from the returns of the sixth census, by countines and principal towns, exhibiting the population, wealth, and resources of the country
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust
More Information from the US Census Bureau
- Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses From 1790 to 2000A 140-page report released in 2002 detailing the evolution and history of the census questionnaire from its inception in 1790 to 2000.
- Through the DecadesAn overview of the census from 1790 to 2010 that includes the history of census legislation, efforts to improve the count, and the technical innovations introduced to improve data collection, processing, and publication.
- Decennial Census by DecadeDetails events surrounding the decennial census. Click on the desired year.
Census Compilations
- List of Census CompilationsCensus compilations usually cover large areas and can be very useful when comparing statistics over time.
Guides and Documentation
Data Sources
- List of Raw Data SourcesRaw data files are intended to be loaded into statistical software for analysis and table creation. In some cases these files can be used with spreadsheet software as well.
- Social Explorer
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Maps and reports based on U.S. Census and other data sources, 1790 to present. - Explore Census DataPopulation, housing, economic and geographic information from a variety of surveys.
Contact
Need help? Call the Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers help desk at (206) 543-4164 during desk hours. You can also consult the 24/7 Ask Us! reference service.