1820 Census Records Research Guide

Sign up for the Family Tree Newsletter! Plus, you’ll receive our 10 Essential Genealogy Research Forms PDF as a special thank you.

Get Your Free Genealogy Forms

"*" indicates required fields

Deep-dive into US census records and other population counts. From helpful research resources to clues about solving ancestor mysteries, our experts provide solutions to your toughest census conundrums.

The 1820 census kept the same age/gender categories as the previous two except for an added column breaking out males ages 16 to 18 (who were double-counted under males age 16 to 26). […] This census also asked for the number of “Foreigners not naturalized” and those engaged in agriculture, commerce and manufacture. Important for those with African American ancestors, 1820 was the first census to distinguish between slaves and “free colored,” who were enumerated by gender and age (to age 14, 14 to 26, 26 to 45, and 45 and up).

David Fryxell, “US Census Information Year-by-Year for Genealogists“

1820 Census Worksheet for Genealogy Research

Get a free downloadable form to organize and record your family history discoveries from the 1820 US Census.

1820 Census Fast Facts

OFFICIAL
DATE

August 7

NUMBER OF
QUESTIONS

NUMBER OF
STATES

DECENNIAL
CENSUS NUMBER

4th

NOTABLE
QUESTIONS

Males 16-18
Naturalization status
Occupation
Slaves or “free colored”; gender and age

10 LARGEST CITIES

New York City, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Baltimore, MD
Boston town, MA
New Orleans, LA
Charleston, SC
Northern Liberties township, PA
Southwark district, PA
Washington, DC
Salem town, MA

Return to top

1820 Census Form Image

*United States Census Bureau (click here to view larger and download)*

Return to top

1820 Census Questions

The number of free white males and females aged, respectively:
– under 10 years of age
– of 10 years but under 16 years
– of 16 years but under 18 years (for males)
– of 16 years but under 26 years (for males)
– of 16 years but under 26 years (for females)
– of 26 years but under 45 years
– 45 years and upward
The number of male and female slaves aged, respectively:
– under 14 years of age
– of 14 years but under 26 years
– of 26 years but under 45 years
– 45 years and upwards
The number of free colored males and females aged, respectively:
– under 14 years of age
– of 14 years but under 26 years
– of 26 years but under 45 years
– 45 years and upwards
Number of foreigners not naturalized
Number of persons (including slaves) engaged in agriculture, commerce, and manufactures

United States Census Bureau, Index of Questions: 1820

Return to top

Where can I find the 1820 census?

Ancestry

CensusRecords

Census Online
(by state/county)

FamilySearch

Findmypast

GenealogyBank

Internet Archive

MyHeritage

Return to top

How to Read the 1820 Census

[Breaking out males ages 16 to 18] can really narrow a birth year if you happen to have a male ancestor born about 1802 to 1804. Just keep in mind that all age questions were supposed to be answered as of the date the enumeration began: Aug. 7, 1820.

David Fryxell

Return to top