Census Day: 1 June 1900
Time to Complete: One month
U.S. Population: 72.6 million
On 1 June 1900, the Bureau of the Census began taking the 12th decennial census of the United States. All responses were to reflect the individual’s status as of 1 June 1900, even if the status had changed between June 1st and the day of the actual enumeration (i.e., children born after 1 June should not be listed, and people who died after 1 June should still be counted).
Of special interest to genealogists, the 1900 federal census is the only census to report the month and year of birth of each individual. The 1900 census is also the first census to include space to record the number of years married, the number of children born to the mother, and how many of those children were still living, questions also asked in the 1910 census. In addition, it asked how long an immigrant had been in the country and whether they had become a naturalized citizen or started the process; whether their home or farm was owned or rented; and whether the owned property was free of mortgage. These latter items were also recorded in the 1910–1930 censuses.
Questions Asked in the 1900 Census
- street name and house number in cities
- name and sex of each individual in the household
- relationship of each individual to head of household
- color or race
- the month and year of birth and age at last birthday
- whether single, married, widowed, or divorced
- number of years married
- if a mother, number of children and number of those children still living
- place of birth
- father’s place of birth
- mother’s place of birth
- year of immigration to the United States
- number of years resided in the United States
- whether or not a naturalized citizen
- profession, occupation, or trade
- the number of months unemployed during the census year
- whether attended school within the year
- iif able to read and/or write
- whether able to speak English
- whether the home was owned or rented; and if mortgaged
- if the home was a house or a farm
1900 Census Online
- FamilySearch – 1900 Census – Digital images and an every-name index. Free account required.
- Ancestry – 1900 Census – Digital images and an every-name index. Subscription required.
- MyHeritage – 1900 Census – Choose “advanced search” for best results. Subscription required.
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1940 Census | 1930 Census | 1920 Census | 1910 Census | 1900 census | 1890 Census | 1880 Census | 1870 Census | 1860 Census | 1850 Census
