Research Guides
U.S. Decennial Census: 1850
Decade by decade information about how to access and use U.S. Census reports.
About the 1850 census
Highlights
- 7th decennial census
- US population: 23,191,876
- Oregon Territory population: 12,093
- First time additional "social statistics" (information about taxes, schools, crime, wages, etc.) were gathered.
- First census to use a person (rather than household) as the basic unit of enumeration.
Questions asked
- Name
- Age
- Sex
- Race (white, black or mulatto)
- Whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, or idiotic
- Value of real estate
- Occupation
- Place of birth
- Whether married within the year
- School attendance/Literacy
- Whether a pauper or convict
- Supplemental schedules for slaves
- Public paupers and criminals
- Persons who died during the year.
Coverage
Map of coverage of the 1850 census.
For more information, see Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790 - 1920 available in print via UW Libraries.
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 seventh census of the United States, 1850
Online via Internet Archive - 1850 United States Federal Census Search Database
Online via Ancestry Library (only available with UW NetID)
Statistics
Census statistical reports feature population and demographic data by state, county, and town for the 1850 census.
- The seventh census of the United States, 1850
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - Manufactures in the several states and territories for the year ending June 1, 1850: abstract of the statistics of manufactures, according to the returns of the seventh census
Print copy via UW Libraries - Mortality statistics of the seventh census of the United States, 1850
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - The seventh census: report of the Superintendent of the Census for December 1, 1852; to which is appended the report for December 1, 1851.
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - Statistical view of the United States, embracing its territory, population--white, free colored, and slave--moral and social condition, industry, property, and revenue; the detailed statistics of cities, towns and counties; being a compendium of the seventh census
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.
- 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.