South Dakota, State Census, 1915 - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of an index to the census of South Dakota taken by that state in 1915. This 1915 South Dakota State Census is an every-name list of the state's inhabitants as of 1915. The records are handwritten on printed cards and are arranged alphabetically by surname. People enumerated in the census are recorded individually; the census records do not show individuals in family groups. The census was filmed at the South Dakota State Historical Society.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:


 * Name
 * Residence (county and post office)
 * Age
 * Birth year
 * Birthplace and ancestry
 * Birthplace of parents


 * Gender
 * Race
 * Marital status
 * Number of years in South Dakota
 * Citizenship
 * Religion


 * Occupation
 * Education
 * Literate or illiterate
 * If blind, deaf, idiotic, or insane
 * Military service
 * Maiden name of wife

Collection Content
In 1885 the South Dakota State Legislature mandated that a census be taken in June of that year and every 10 years thereafter. The last census was taken in 1945. The completed cards were then sent to the Secretary of State. The census covers approximately 90% of the population.

The state census was taken in order to enumerate the population for representation purposes. Censuses are generally reliable, depending on the knowledge of the informant and the care of the census enumerator. Information may have been given to a census taker by any member of the family or by a neighbor. Some information may therefore be incorrect.

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The approximate age of your ancestor
 * The place where your ancestor lived
 * The names of family members

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * If available, check the image for additional information
 * Analyze the entry to see if it provides additional clues to find other records of the person or their family

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * Try searching by surname only
 * The person may be recorded with an abbreviated or variant form of their name
 * Remember that spelling was generally not standardized until the early part of the 20th century

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of South Dakota.
 * South Dakota Guided Research
 * South Dakota Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research: 1850-1905 | 1905-Present

Related FamilySearch Historical Records Collections

 * South Dakota 1905 State Census - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * South Dakota 1925 State Census - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * South Dakota 1935 State Census - FamilySearch Historical Records
 * South Dakota 1945 State Census - FamilySearch Historical Records

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.