The table below is a summation of the print holdings of the U.S. population census available for use in the Government Publications Collection. These volumes represent only a fraction of the total census collection, as this table is meant as a quick guide to the total population counts of each decennial census, not more detailed population characteristics. In addition to the population census, Government Publications also has an extensive collection of economic and agricultural census material, both in print and electronic formats.

Note that the volumes listed below are population counts, not the census population schedules that list family names. Government Publications does not have population schedules in its collection. The best local collection of population schedules is housed at the State Historical Society of Iowa.

In addition to the print volumes, Government Publications has the population censuses for 1790–1970 on microfilm. Bibliography and reel index: A guide to the microfilm edition of United States Decennial Census Publications, 1790-1970 is the finding aid and is located in Main Reference, Z7554.U5R47 1975. Please ask for staff assistance for help locating the microfilm.

The following reference works, located in the Main Reference Collection, provide guidance in locating and using population census materials, including the Research Publications microfilm:

• Catalog of United States census publications, 1790–1945. Z7556.U5 [annotated with Government Publications call numbers]
• Dubester's U.S. census bibliography with SuDocs class numbers and indexes. Z7553.C3 C66 1996
• Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census. HA37.U55 E53 2000
• Population information in nineteenth century census volumes. Z7164.D3 S44 1983.
• Population information in twentieth century census volumes, 1900–1940. Z7164.D3 S45 1985.
• Population information in twentieth century census volumes, 1950–1980. Z7164.D3 S45 1988.

Also of note, the US Census Bureau has made some digital scans of the Decennial Censuses of Population and Housing available on its web site.