Slovakia Census

Back to Slovakia Portal Page►

Census refers to population enumeration. For statistical purposes the government of Hungary periodically took a census of the population. The results were used to follow and regulate various aspects of society particularly taxation and con¬scription. The first census of the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Hungary took place in 1784-1785 conducted under the Emperor Josef. Some censuses were general. Others, such as the 1848 Hungarian census of the Jews, were taken of specific areas or for specific purposes.

The first official census was in 1784-1785. Other Hungarian censuses were conducted in 1808, 1828, 1848 (Jews only), 1850, 1857, 1869, 1880, 1890, 1900, and 1910. Under the Czechoslovak government Slovakia had censuses in 1921, 1930, 1940, 1950, 1961, 1970, 1980, and 1991. Future censuses will be conducted by the new Slovak government.

Contents: The contents vary according to census. Some censuses list only head of household, conscription number of house, and taxable property. Many census returns of the 1800s give house number, head of household, names of members of the household (including servants), ages, occupations, religions, and relationships to head of household; some also give date and place of birth.

Location: State regional archives and district archives.

Research use: These records link families together into family groups and greatly supplement the research process. They are extremely valuable in locating birthplaces, and determining ages, and relationships and lead to primary vital records sources, making them very valuable for pedigree links. Each census is important by itself but each should also be used with church records and other censuses.

Accessibility: Census materials, if they can be found, may be accessible for research in person. Nevertheless, permission may be denied in many cases. Aside from the materials in the collection of the Family History Library, few, if any, census materials are accessible for research.