Resources for Family & Community History

Federal Census Schedules for Missouri

Federal census schedules for Missouri are available on microfilm for census years 1830 through 1930. The exception is the 1890 census, which was destroyed by fire. Census records are closed for 72 years after they are created; the 1930 census is available for research in the reference room.

Statewide printed indexes are available for 1830 through 1870, and the Soundex index on microfilm is available for 1880, 1900, 1910, and 1920. A Special Veterans Census for 1890 is available on microfilm, with a printed index.

The 1830 and 1840 census reports only list the head of household, and then indicate the number of people in the household by age and gender. Beginning in 1850, census reports contain the name of each person in the household, age, occupation, and place of birth. After 1880, the relationship to the head of the household is shown, as well as the place of birth for the parents. A variety of other information is available on individual census reports, such as education level, occupation, immigration dates, and more.