Did you know that it takes 72 years after a census is taken for it to be released to the public? This is something I just recently learned from my husband who was taking a genealogy class. It works out to every 10 years a new census is released. So, in 2012 the 1940 census was released and in April 2022 the 1950 census will be released. Just a fun little fact.
Census data is released 72 years after it is taken
But, why do we take the census? Simply because the US Constitution says every ten years everyone is to be counted. These counts are used to reapportion the seats in the House of Representatives. It also helps in states redistricting and with how much funding each state will receive from the federal government, among other things.
The First US Census was 1790
Each census since 1790 has switched up certain questions that it asks. In the early censuses they asked the number of each white person in different age categories with a simple number. They moved to counting each person; White, Free black, black, foreigners not naturalized, and slaves. Then they started asking questions about if there were deaf, dumb, and blind people. Censuses have asked for names, ages, sex, professions, attendance at school, military service, information on slaves, where the people in the household were born, what language they speak, etc. It seems it just depends on what is happening in the country on what questions will be asked.
The US Constitution requires the decennial count
In the end, all that really matters is that each person in this country is counted. The Constitution is the most important document in this country. So no matter what questions are asked, do your patriotic duty and fill out the census. Also get excited that in two years we get to see another set of census records.
If you need any help finding your family, just let us know.
