Mexico National Census, 1930 - FamilySearch Historical Records

Foreign Language Title
México, Censo Nacional de 1930

Collection Time Period
Mexico’s first national census was conducted in 1895, but this information pertains to records for the year 1930.

Why was this collection created?
Mexico conducted its national census for demographic and statistical purposes.

Collection History
While earlier attempts were made to enumerate the Mexican population, the 1895 census was considered the first federal or national census. Beginning in 1900, censuses were conducted every 10 years. The 1930 census was conducted on May 15 and was the first census in which returns were processed centrally. Because of this, most of the original sheets still exist. This census is widely recognized as one of Mexico’s best planned and executed censuses, and it is also the only one accessible to the public.

How to Use the Collection
The Mexico 1930 Census is the best source to quickly identify a family group and residence. With the information found take your ancestor’s age, place of residence, and birth state if available to search for him/her in other records. The census identifies other people living in the household and may identify people for whom other records simply do not exist.

You need to know the name of your ancestor for those places that are indexed. If the ancestor has a common name, you must know the place of residence to determine which index entry is the correct one. If you do not find your ancestor in the index, use the place of residence and search that place page by page.

Collection Content
Important genealogical information in the 1930 census includes: • Full name • Age • Sex • Head of household • Birthplace • Whether single, married, widowed, or divorced • Whether married civilly or by the church • Nationality • Religion • Occupation • Native language • Street address and house number

Collection Description
Population schedules consist of large sheets with rows and columns. The sheets are arranged in bundles by municipality and then by place, such as city, village, or ranch. The original schedules are at the National Archives (Archivo General de la Nación) in Mexico City. The records have been preserved on microfilm by the Genealogical Society of Utah.

Population Coverage
Due to undercounting and some record loss, primarily for the Federal District, the 1930 census covers about 90 percent of the population.

Collection Reliability
The Mexico 1930 Census is usually reliable, depending on the knowledge of the informant and the care taken by the census enumerator. Realize that information may have been given to a census taker by any member of the family or even by a neighbor. Some information may be incorrect or have been deliberately falsified.