United States, Census, 1900
Name index and images of population schedules listing inhabitants of the United States in 1900. This was the twelfth census conducted since 1790. The searchable index covers all states including the Armed Forces (foreign country where census occurred) and the Indian Territory. Images can also be viewed using the browse option and includes all states including the Armed Forces (foreign country where census occurred) and the Indian Territory.
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About the 1900 Census
The 1900 U.S. census was the 12th census of the United States. It offers a close look at American life at the start of the 20th century, during a time of rapid industrial growth, expanding cities, and high levels of immigration.
Census workers began collecting information on 1 June 1900. They counted more than 76 million people living in:
- The 45 states.
- The District of Columbia.
- United States territories, including Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Indian Territory, New Mexico, Oklahoma Territory, and Puerto Rico.
1900 Census Schedules
The 1900 census was divided into several sections, called schedules. Each schedule focused on a different group of people.
Population Schedules
The population schedules were the main part of the census. They listed everyone living in the United States as of 1 June 1900. You may find many key details:
- Names and relationships within the household
- Age and month and year of birth
- Marital status and number of years married
- Number of children born and how many were still living
- Birthplaces and immigration information
- Citizenship status and occupation
People use the population schedules most for family history research. You can search them for free on FamilySearch.org.
Indian Population Schedules
The 1900 census also included a separate schedule for many American Indians living on reservations or in tribal communities. These records may have extra details, such as tribal affiliation and land allotment. Coverage varies by location.
Life in the United States in 1900
To better understand a changing population, the Census Bureau updated its questions in 1900. New questions focused on family size, childbearing, and immigration. These changes reflect national concerns about population growth, health, and social change.
Because of these updates, the 1900 census is especially valuable for family history research
Family Structure and Birth Information
The 1900 census is unique because it recorded the month and year of birth for each person. It also asked married women how many children they had given birth to and how many were still living.
When you explore these records, you may notice:
- Large families living together.
- Signs of infant or child loss.
- Multiple generations sharing one household.
- Newly married couples starting their own homes.
These details can help you rebuild families and identify children who may not appear in other records.
Immigration and Citizenship
The census includes important details about immigration and citizenship. It recorded when people immigrated to the United States and whether they were naturalized, had begun the naturalization process, or were not citizens.
This information can help you:
- Identify immigrant ancestors.
- Narrow down passenger lists and naturalization records.
- Understand how migration affected your family.
Work, Homes, and Daily Life
The 1900 census also shows how people lived and worked. It recorded jobs, types of work, and whether families owned or rented their homes. These details help paint a picture of daily life during a period of major economic and social change.
Questions in the 1900 Census
The 1900 census included a wide range of questions about each person:
- The state, county, township, city or town, and enumeration district where people lived
- Street name and house number (in cities and towns)
- Head of household
- Names of everyone living in the home on 1 June 1900
- Relationship to the head of household
- Sex
- Race
- Month and year of birth
- Age at last birthday
- Marital status and number of years married
- Number of children born and number still living (for women)
- Birthplace of each person and the person's parents
- Year of immigration and citizenship status
- Occupation and type of industry
Accessing the 1900 Census
You can search and view the 1900 census for free on FamilySearch.org with a free account. Both the index and the original images are available.
The 1900 census is also on Ancestry, MyHeritage, Findmypast, and theNational Archives websites. These sites may require a subscription, but many public libraries and FamilySearch centers offer free access to the websites.
Source information
Who Created the Records
The 1900 census was compiled by the United States Census Office, a temporary agency within the United States Department of the Interior.
In 1902, Congress established a permanent Census Office, which was renamed the Census Bureau and moved to the Department of Commerce and Labor.
Language
English
Location of Original Records
"United States, Census, 1900." Database with images. FamilySearch. http://FamilySearch.org : 8 December 2025. Citing NARA microfilm publication T623. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.
