California State Census, 1852 - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of a name index of population (schedule I "Inhabitants") schedules listing the inhabitants of the state of California in 1852. Returns for Colusa, Marin, and Sutter Counties are not available.

Related Collections
 * California State Archives: "Correspondence Regarding the 1852 State Census
 * California State Archives: "County Agents' Reports, 1852 States Census."

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

Census
 * Date and place of census
 * Name of each person
 * Gender
 * Age
 * Place of birth
 * Estimated year of birth


 * Whether or not a citizen
 * Number of Whites by gender and if over 21
 * Number of Negros by gender and if over 21
 * Number of Mulatos by gender and if over 21
 * Number of Domesticated Indians by gender and if over 21
 * Number of Foreign Residents by gender and if over 21

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of your ancestor
 * The approximate age during the event or birth place of your ancestor

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?

 * Use the ages listed to determine approximate birth dates
 * Search for vital records such as birth, baptism, marriage, and death
 * Use the information found in the record to find probate records
 * If applicable, search for immigration and naturalization records as well

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

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching a nearby locality
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

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

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