Find your ancestors in California State Census 1852

Discover new information about your pioneer ancestors who lived in California in the early years of statehood. Uncover new details that place them and their families on the West Coast before the outbreak of the Civil War.

What can these records tell me?

There are over 180,000 records in this state census, and each entry was filled out by an adult living in the state. While the information for each person varies, California State Census 1852 typically includes:

  • First and last name
  • Age
  • Birth year
  • Birth state
  • Birth country
  • County

    • Discover more about California State Census 1852

    Just six years after becoming part of the United States and two years after statehood, California conducted a state census to tally the rapidly increasing population of the state. New immigrants from around the world flocked to California, especially after the discovery of gold in the state in 1848. The state census counted the adult population, a requirement for determining the electoral districts for the state legislature.

    In addition to the information in each record, your ancestor’s record can place them in the state at a particular moment in time, a crucial step for further genealogical research. You may learn new facts about your ancestor’s background and then use this information to find additional details in our other collections.


    Findmypast is pleased to present these records in partnership with FamilySearch, Intl.