United States, Census, 1880

About the 1880 Census

The 1880 U.S. census was the 10th census of the United States. It offers a snapshot of American families during a time of westward expansion, growing industry, and social change after the Civil War.

Census workers began collecting information on 1 June 1880. They counted more than 50 million people living in:

• The 38 states.
• The District of Columbia.
• United States territories, including Alaska, Arizona, Dakota Territory, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

1880 Census Schedules

The 1880 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 1880. You may find information such as the following:

• Names and ages
• Relationships within the household
• Marital status
• Birthplaces
• Jobs and occupations
• Health information

For the first time, the census recorded how each person in the household was related to the head of the household.

Most people use the population schedules for family history research. You can search them for free on FamilySearch.org.

Indian Population Schedules

The 1880 census also included separate schedules for many American Indians, especially those living on reservations or in tribal communities. These records may include extra details such as tribal affiliation and living arrangements. Coverage varies by location.

The Indian population schedules are not indexed, but you can browse the images on FamilySearch.org.

Dependent, Defective, and Delinquent Schedules

The census also included special schedules for people living in places such as prisons, poorhouses, and hospitals. It recorded basic details such as age, sex, race, and place of residence.

These records are searchable on Ancestry (fees may apply) and are also available on microfilm at the National Archives.

The Census in Late 19th-Century America

By 1880, the Census Bureau was collecting more detailed information to better understand families, work, and health. New questions reflected growing concerns about education, labor conditions, and public welfare as the country became more urban and industrial.

Families and Household Relationships

The 1880 census was the first federal census to clearly record how each person was related to the head of household. When you explore these records, you may notice:

• Clear family roles within a household.
• Multiple generations living together.
• Boarders or lodgers sharing a home.
• Children working or attending school.

This information can help you rebuild family groups and tell people with similar names apart.

Work, Education, and Daily Life

The census provides helpful details about how people supported themselves and their families. It recorded jobs, employment status, and how many months a person was unemployed during the year. It also asked whether children attended school and whether adults could read or write.

These details help show what everyday life was like for your ancestors.

Health and Mortality

The 1880 census included questions about illness and long‑term conditions. While the language reflects the time period, these entries can sometimes help explain gaps in records or changes in family circumstances.

Questions in the 1880 Census

The 1880 census asked 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 1880
• Relationship to the head of household
• Sex
• Race
• Age at last birthday
• Marital status
• Birthplace of each person and the person's parents
• Occupation
• Months unemployed during the census year
• School attendance
• Ability to read and write
• Health conditions or disabilities

Accessing the 1880 Census

You can search and view the 1880 census for free on FamilySearch with a free account. Both the index and the original images are available.

The 1880 census is also available on Ancestry, Findmypast, and MyHeritage. These sites may require a subscription, but many public libraries and FamilySearch centers offer free access.

Some 1880 census records can also be found on the National Archives website.

Who Created the Records

The 1880 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

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)