1940 Census

The 1940 Census is slated for release to the public on April 2, 2012. Yes, you'll have to wait just one extra day this time because the first falls on a Sunday! With millions of family history enthusiasts expected to search 1940 census records for clues about their family, genealogy organizations of all types are already making plans to address this anticipated need.

Stay tuned — we'll be set to bring you the latest and greatest 1940 census news as soon as we can, but for now we're not allowed to say too much about researching 1940 census records.

1940 Census Form

The 1940 Census Form is very similar in overall appearance to that from the 1930 Census, but there are some interesting distinctions. For this count of the U.S. Population, the government felt it important to ask . . . » view more

1940 Census Facts

Sweet sixteen! That's how we'll look at the data as it becomes available for the 16th Population Census of the United States of America. Some other fun facts about the 1940 census include:

48 States & Territories
132 million names
First census to use statistical sampling
Also recorded family location in 1935
Digitization efforts underway by NARA
4,643 rolls of 35mm microfilm
Approximately 3.25 million digital images
Post-depression and pre-WWII

There are just 39 days remaining until Monday, April 2, 2012.

Get Ready for the 1940 Census

There are plenty of things you can do starting today to be sure you're ready for the 1940 Census release date. Were you born on or after April 1, 1940? If so, were you living in the United States at the time? If the answer to both questions is yes, then you'll want to start by finding yourself in the 1940 census.

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If one or both of your parents were alive and residing somewhere in the United States on April 1, 1940, then you'll want to look for them next. Using information from other sources (birth/marriage/death certificates, letters, etc.) try to anticipate what the family group would have looked like for the various families. Did your father have brothers and sisters? » view more