Census Records

Federal Census Records may be accessed online, at no charge, for all residents of Wisconsin through the BadgerLink online library:

Federal, State and Territorial Census records are also available in our reading room on microfilm.

• 1820 *
  
• 1830 *
  
• 1840 *
  
• 1850 * 
  
• 1860 *
  
• 1870 *
  
• 1880 *
  
• 1900 *
  
• 1910
• 1920 *
  
• 1930

*On-site microfilm index available.

 Territorial Census

• 1836 Milwaukee [pdf] | Index [pdf] *
  
• 1838 Racine [pdf]
• 1842 Racine [pdf]
• 1846 Racine (summary only)
• 1847 Racine

*On-site microfilm index available.

 State Census

• 1855 | Kenosha portion [pdf]
  
• 1875
• 1885
• 1895
• 1905 *

*On-site microfilm index available.

Additional Resources and Considerations for Genealogists & Historians:

• Wisconsin Historical Society's Census Records
  The WHS has composed a brief description of the Federal, State and Canadian Censuses that details what information was recorded, how information was arranged, and what special schedules are included on each census. Here, the WHS also suggests search strategies, valuable resources and key points to consider.
  
  
• Resources available at your local Public Library
  You may wish to consult your local public library as many libraries across the country now provide online access to census records & indexes via Ancestry and/or Heritage Quest. Racine and Kenosha Public Libraries offer HeritageQuest online if you have a library card.

 Noteworthy Consideration:

State and territorial censuses were designed to supplement the federal censuses. Their data is not nearly as detailed as the federal census data is, and only the 1905 Wisconsin census includes the name of every member of a household, but they do help genealogists locate ancestors in between the decade long intervals of the federal census. The 1885 and 1895 Wisconsin state census records are particularly valuable since there is no 1890 federal census for Wisconsin. Wisconsin stopped compiling a state census after the 1905 survey was completed.

If you are unable to visit our facility, we will be happy to provide you with copies of records located in our office: Please contact us with your request. It is helpful if you list your subject's name, location and dates of milestones.