Norway Census: Difference between revisions

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<big>[[Norway|'''''Norway''''']] </big>''<big>Census</big>'' <br>A census is a count and description of the population. Censuses have been taken by the Norwegian government and by ecclesiastical officials for population studies and taxation purposes. If we include the three broad census record categories we can cover the time period from 1500's-1910.  
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== Online Records ==
*[https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/ Digital Archives]
*University in Tromsø, [https://rhd.uit.no/ Registreringssentral for historiske data (RHD)]:
**[https://rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/folketellinger_e.aspx Simple search] in the 1865, 1875, 1900 and 1910 censuses
**[https://rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/folketellinger_avansert.aspx Advanced search] in the 1865, 1875, 1900 and 1910 censuses
*'''1801''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/3733603 Norway Census, 1801] at FamilySearch - [[Norway Census, 1801 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1865''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/3756102 Norway Census, 1865] at FamilySearch - [[Norway Census, 1865 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1870''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/4135961 Norway Census, 1870] at FamilySearch - [[Norway Census, 1870 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1875''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1529106 Norway Census, 1875] at FamilySearch - [[Norway Census, 1875 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images; incomplete
*'''1875''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-20236/norway-1875-sailors-seamen-census?s=275764761 Norway, 1875 Sailors and Seamen Census] at MyHeritage — index($)
*'''1891''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/4067726 Norway, Census, 1891] at FamilySearch - [[Norway, Census, 1891 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
*'''1900''' [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/3744863 Norway, Census, 1900] at FamilySearch - [[Norway, Census, 1900 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index and images
 
==Introduction==
A census is a count and description of the population. Censuses have been taken by the Norwegian government and by ecclesiastical officials for population studies and taxation purposes. Census and census-like records are found from the 1500s-2000. After 1900, a national census was taken every 10 years until 2000. Access to national censuses is restricted by law for a period of 100 years after the date of enumeration.


We usually use the term Census to include "skattemantall" which are records taken in connection with taxes; "manntall" which are records usually taken for military purposes and only includes males; and "folketellinger" which are records that include ''all ''persons of ''all'' ages.  
Many municipalities also created censuses of their residents. These are usually available at the city archives or the [[Norway Archives and Libraries#Regional Municipal Archives|regional state archives]]. As a general rule these are only restricted for a period of 60 years.


Census records can provide information about a person's:
Usually the term census is applied to three record types:
*''Manntall'' - Usually lists of males only, sometimes recorded for purposes of enrollment in military service
*''Skattemantall''  - Tax lists which may include only specific parts of the populace
*''Folketellinger'' - Complete enumerations of the population


Census records may provide information about a person's:
*Name  
*Name  
*Age  
*Age  
Line 13: Line 42:
*Year of birth  
*Year of birth  
*Birthplace  
*Birthplace  
*Property
*Physical health (deaf, dumb, mute, etc.)
*Physical health (deaf, dumb, mute, etc.)


Census records are especially valuable because they list a large portion of the population. They provide information when records (or portions of records) are missing. Generally, you will find more detailed family information in more recent censuses. The census records identify birthplaces beginning in 1865. Use the information with caution, however, since some information may be incorrect. Remember the census records are secondary sources!  
Census records are especially valuable because they list a large portion of the population. They provide information when records (or portions of records) are missing. Generally, you will find more detailed family information in more recent censuses. The census records identify birthplaces beginning in 1865. Use the information with caution, however, since some information may be incorrect. Remember the census records are secondary sources!  


=== Census Records prior to 1600 ===
== Records Prior to 1600 ==
 
=== Aslak Bolts jordebok ===
'''''Aslak Bolts jordebok'' '''is a publication of the first census taken in Norway. The census was taken about 1430 by Aslak Bolt (1377-1450) for economic reasons, as the Catholic church was in debt. The Black Death had ravaged the country, and several of the farms were left desolate. Close to 2/3 of the Norwegian population had perished. Properties were to be indexed so taxes could be assessed. The index includes the value of each property, taxes paid (or not), and the name(s) of the owners. There is also an index by given-name and place-name in the back of the book. This index includes names of estates (farms) that were under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop in Nidaros (now Trondheim city in Norway). This book does not include all the localities of Norway, but it does include properties in Northern Norway, Trøndelag, and the northwest coast of Norway. The old Norse language is listed on the left page, and a translation to the modern Norwegian language is listed on the right page.  
This the first census-like registration in Norway. It was made about 1430 by Aslak Bolt (1377-1450), Archbishop of Nidaros. The registration was made for economic reasons as the Catholic church, which was the official religion of Norway at the time, was in serious debt. The Black Death had ravaged the country, and many farms were left desolate. Close to 2/3 of the Norwegian population had perished.  


''Aslak Bolts jordebok'' was produced from the original book, from the Münchensamlingen (München Collection) in Riksarkivet in Oslo, and is in such poor condition that it is no longer available for the general public.  
All properties were registered so taxes could be assessed. The registration includes the value of each property, amount of taxes paid (or not), and the name(s) of the owners. As the registration only applied to the archdioces of Nidaros it only include properties in Møre og Romsdal, Sør-Trøndelag, Nord-Trøndelag, and Nordland counties.  


Jørgensen, Jon Gunnar.''Aslak Bolts jordebok (Aslak Bolt's Land Book).'' Oslo, Norway: Riksarkivet, 1997. (FHL book 948.4 R2b)
The first printed edition of was published by Peter Andreas Munch in 1852. A second version was produced in 1997 by the National Archives of Norway from the original manuscript in the Münchensamlingen (München Collection) in Riksarkivet in Oslo. The manuscript is in such poor condition that it is not available to the general public. In the print version the handwritten manuscript is shown on the left page, and a modern Norwegian language translation is given on the right page. The published version also includes an index by given-name, and place-name.


=== Census Records, 1600's  ===
*The original manuscript has been microfilmed and scanned by the National Archives of Norway and is available on the Digital Archive at [https://media.digitalarkivet.no/db/contents/36327 RA, Riksarkivets diplomsamling, F13/F13b/L0013: NRA dipl. München papir, nr. 4292 Aslak Bolts jordebok., 1430-1439]
*The 1852 edition is available online at the Nasjonalbibliotek,  [https://www.nb.no/items/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2006111500039 Aslak Bolts Jordebog : Fortegnelse over Jordegods og andre Herligheder tilhørende Erkebiskopsstolen i Nidaros]
*A copy of the 1997 printing is available at the FamilySearch Library: Jørgensen, Jon Gunnar. ''Aslak Bolts jordebok''. Oslo, Norway: Riksarkivet, 1997 {{FSC|729246|item|disp=FS Catalog book 948.4 R2b}}.


'''1664 to 1666: ''' Two censuses were taken, one clerical done by the local priest, and one civil done by the local bailiff. These are called "Titus Bülcher" census'. These censuses cover the rural areas only. For some parts of Norway all or part of the census is missing. Finnmark county was not included. These census' are organized by farms.  
== 1600s  ==
'''1664 to 1666: ''' Two censuses were taken, one clerical done by the local priest, and one civil done by the local bailiff. These are called the "Titus Bülche censuses" named after [https://lokalhistoriewiki.no/wiki/Titus_B%C3%BClche Titus Bülche], a Danish official with responsibilities over church affairs who ordered these enumerations. These censuses cover the rural areas only. For some parts of Norway all or part of the census is missing. Finnmark county was not included. Records are organized by county, parish, and then by farm. The 1664 census only included males over the age of 12, but in the 1666 census younger boys may also be included.  


The following information was given:  
The following information was given:  
*names and ages of the head of household  
*names and ages of the head of household  
*all male family members over age 12
*all male family members over age 12


Originally these censuses only included males over the age of 12, but in the 1666 census younger boys may also be included.  
These records are available on microfilm at the FamilySearch Library with the titles [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/308091 Fogd og sorenskrivers manntall 1664-1666] and [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/54370 Sogneprestenes manntall 1664-1666]. Scanned images are online at the Norway Digital Archives with the title [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&archive_key=&jt%5B%5D=39 1663-1666 Church male census].
The baliff's census 1664-1666 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&jt%5B%5D=40 Bailiff's census for Norway]


These records are available on microfilm at the Family History Library and also online at [http://www.arkivverket.no/eng/content/view/full/5462 Digitalarkivet]. Many of them are now found at Digitalarkivet in a searchable [http://digitalarkivet.no/cgi-win/WebMeta.exe?slag=vismeny&fylkenr=&knr=&katnr=&aar=&dagens=&emnenr=1 database].
*1576-1945 [https://media.digitalarkivet.no/db/contents/131037 various records for southern Norway]


Other census records from the 1600's were:  
Other census records from the 1600's were:  
*''Koppskattemanntall'' 1645/1646: a tax on persons
*''Quægskatten'' 1657/1658, which was a tax on cattle


*"Koppskattemanntall" 1645/1646: a tax on persons
== 1700s/1900s ==
*"Quægskatten" 1657/1658, which was a tax on cattle
'''1701:''' This census was taken September 1701, and includes all males age 1 and older. This census did not include Finnmark County or cities. Large portions of Agder County and the eastern part of Norway are lost. Scanned color images are available on the Digital Archives with the title [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&archive_key=&jt%5B%5D=38 Census (manntall) 1701]. As of August 2019 the census at Digital Archives is only partially indexed. A black and white microfilm copy is available at the FamilySearch Library under the title [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/290214 Manntall 1701, Norge : avskrift av kongelig befaling av den 26de juli 1701].
 
=== Census Records, 1700's  ===
 
'''1701:'''This census was taken September 1701, and includes all males age 1 and older. This census did not include Finnmark County or cities. Large portions of Agder county and the eastern part of Norway are lost.  
 
'''Mid-1700s:''' During this time period, a clerical census called a "Register of Souls" (sjeleregister) was taken. It is more of a true census than the previous ones listing all members of a family and all persons living with the family. These censuses are also available as "Early Parish Register" at [http://www.arkivverket.no/URN:kb_read?idx_fylke=0&idx_kilde=SJEL&idx_listetype=Alle&idx_periode=&idx_textsearch=&js=j Digitalarkivet]  


Most of these records have been lost, but they have been preserved for some areas. Rogaland is the only county for which the entire 1758 census is preserved. Some "Register of Souls" can be found in the parish registers.  
'''Mid-1700s:''' During this time period, a clerical census called a "Register of Souls" (''sjeleregister'') was taken. It is more of a true census than the previous ones listing all members of a family and all persons living with the family.  Most of these records have been lost, but they have been preserved for some areas. Rogaland is the only county for which the entire 1758 census is preserved. Some "Register of Souls" can be found in the parish registers.  


Records fitting into the census category in this century, which can be searched as databases are found at this [http://digitalarkivet.uib.no/cgi-win/WebMeta.exe?slag=vismeny&fylkenr=&knr=&katnr=1&emnenr=&dagens=&aar=17&alle=true Digitalarkivet] link. There are several census lists:  
Other noteworthy census and Sjeleregister records include the following:


*'''Oslo '''Census for Vaterland in Christiania 1714
'''Oslo '''
*'''Telemark '''1712 census: Skien, Porsgrunn, Brevik, Langesund
*1857-1870 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&m%5B%5D=0301 Sjeleregister for Kristiania Tuksthus, images]
*The 1762 census from Sannikedal
'''Østfold'''
*Farm census for Tinn parish 1730
*1772 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=01 Sjeleregister for Halden, images]
*'''Aust-Agder''' Census of Arendal local parish august 22 1715
'''Akershus'''
*Census for Froland iron works 1793
*1600-1780 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=02 Sjeleregister for Nannestad and Nes, images]
*'''Vest-Agder''' Transcript: Census for Kristiansand from 1722 (pdf 6mb)
'''Hedmark'''
*'''Hordaland '''1714-census for Bergen
*1732 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=04 Sjeleregister for Vang, index]
*Census of Bergen citizens 9. mai 1714 (database version)  
'''Oppland'''
*'''Møre og Romsdal''' Census of Molde, May 28 1746
*1736 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=05 Sjeleregister for Vågå, images]
*1746 Census of men fit for sea service in Kristiansund  
'''Buskerud'''
*'''Sør-Trøndelag''' Census of Trondheim, February 23 1736
*1778-1792 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=06 Sjeleregister for Strømsø, images]
*1769 Census for Rennebu in Meldal
*1711 census [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/2/100694 Kongsberg silverwerk, index]
*'''Nord-Trøndelag''' 1762 Census for Verdal  
*1711 census [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/2/100692 widows/spouses at Kongsberg silverworks, index]
*The 1776 census for Ytterøy adm. district
*1722 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/2/100688 pensjonister- People receiving a pension at the Kongsberg silver works, index]
*The 1791 census for 1722 Ytterøy  
*1723 census [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/2/100689 of people at the Kongsberg silverworks, index]
*1797 Census for the local parishes Ytterøy and Mosvik in Ytterøy parish
*1723 census [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/2/100690 of officials at the Kongsberg silverworks, index]
*1755 census for Inderøy adm. district
*1724 census [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/2/100693 Kongsberg silverwork, index]
*'''Nordland''' Manntall over borgere, jekteskippere og handlere i Helgelands Fogderi 1742-1799
*1765 census [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/2/100695 Kongsberg silverwork, index]
*1769 census from Vefsn 1769
*1765 census [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/2/100691 officials at the Kongsberg silverwork, index]
*Register of tenant farmers in Lofoten 1759
'''Telemark'''
*Clerical census for Vågan parish 1755
*1729 census: [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&m%5B%5D=0805 Porsgrunn images]
*Census of boys aged 12-19 in Sortland adm. district 1770
*{{FSC|683662|item|disp=1730 Sjeleregister for Tinn prestegjeld, images}}
*'''Abroad''' Citizens in Copenhagen after the city fire 1728
*1725-1784 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=08 Sjeleregister for Eidanger, Hjartdal, Porsgrunn, Bratsbergkleiva, Kviteseid, Seljord, Tinn, images]
 
'''Aust-Agder'''  
and a census from '''Telemark '''in 1782 which has lists for 20 parishes.<br>
*1783-1791 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=09 Sjeleregister for Arendal, Gjerstad, Øyestad, images]
 
'''Vest-Agder'''  
=== Census Records, 1800's  ===
*1758 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=10 Sjeleregister for Lund and Sokndal, images]
 
'''Rogaland'''
The 1801 census lists may include:  
*1758 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=11 Sjeleregister for Rogaland, image and index]
'''Bergen'''
*1645 Census [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/654711?availability=Family%20History%20Library Bergen city census/tax record, images]
'''Hordaland'''
*1738-1811 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=12 Sjeleregister for Hamre, Haus, Hosanger, Seim, Kvam, Kvinnherad, Lindås, Os, Skånevik, Stord, Strandebarm, Jondal, Ullensvang, Suldal, Fjellberg, and Hamre, image and index]
'''Sogn og Fjordane'''
*1759-1789 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=14 Sjeleregister for Askvoll, Aurland, Eid, Førde, Gulen, Hafslo Indre Holmedal (Gaular), Hornindal, Innvik, Jostedal, Jølster, Leikanger, Lærdal, Sogndal, Vik, Ytre Holmedal (Flaler), image and index]
'''Møre og Romsdal'''
*1756-1803 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=15 Sjeleregister for Haram, Borgund, Norddal, Geiranger, Hjørundfjord, Sunnylven, Vanylven, Syvde, Volda and Ørsta, image and index]
*1664-1666, 1701 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&sc%5B%5D=mt&c%5B%5D=15 census for Møre pg Romsdal, image, index]
*1835, 1845 [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/618753?availability=Family%20History%20Library Census for Kristiansund, images]
*1825, 1835, 1845, 1855 [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/618756?availability=Family%20History%20LibraryCensus for Kvernes parish, images]
'''Sør-Trøndelag'''
*1794-1827 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=16 Sjeleregister for Bjørnør, Fosen, and Nidaros, images]
*1796 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&m%5B%5D=1601 Sjeleregister for Trondheim, images]
*1753-1827 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&r%5B%5D=4 Sjeleregister for Bjørnør, Fosen, Grong, Harran, Nidaros stift, Overhalla, Verdal, Vuku, image and index]
*1925 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&jt%5B%5D=15&m%5B%5D=1601 Municipal Census for Trondheim, index]
'''Nord-Trøndelag'''
*1753-1809 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=17 Sjeleregister for Overhalla, Vuku i Verdal, Verdal, Nidaros Stift, Grong og Harran, index]
*1755 census for Inderøy administrative district - available at Digital Archives: [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/LFOT/62547 Mandtall Over Alle Af Bonde Standen Udj Inderøens Tinglaug For 1755, index]
*1776 census for Ytterøy administrative district - available at Digital Archives: [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/LFOT/65881 Mandtal Over Alle Mennisker udi Ytterøens Tinglav Pro Anno 1776, index]
*1791 census for Ytterøy - available at Digital Archives: [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/LFOT/65882 Local census 1791 for Ytterøy, index]
*1795-1797 [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/633234?availability=Family%20History%20Library Sjeleregister for Verdal, image]
*1797 Census for the local parishes Ytterøy and Mosvik - available at Digital Archives: [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/LFOT/65883 Mandtall Over Tiæneste Folkene og de Øvrige Menisker i Ytterøe og Mosvig Sogner Pro 1797, index]
*1810 Census for Ytterøy - available at Digitalarkivet of Norway [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/LFOT/65884 local census, index]
'''Nordland'''
*1749 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=18 Sjeleregister for Ofoten, Vågan, Folda and Bodin, image]
*1911 census [https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/127514/1 over Fishermen in Hamarøy, Nordland, images]
*1912 census [https://media.digitalarkivet.no/view/127515/1 over Fishermen in Hamarøy, Nordland, images]
*1952 census [https://media.digitalarkivet.no/db/contents/138504 over Fishermen in Tjøtta kommune, Nordland, images]
'''Troms'''
*1749-1805 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=19 Sjelergister for Ofoten, Ibestad and Astafjord]
'''Finnmark'''
*1778-1813 [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources?s=&from=&to=&format=all&archive_key=&st%5B%5D=SJEL&c%5B%5D=20 Sjeleregister for Hammerfest, Kautokeino, Kistrand, Måsøy, Talvik, and Alta, image]
'''Abroad'''
*Citizens in Copenhagen after the city fire 1728 - available in print and on microfilm at the FamilySearch Library: [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/64273 Kjøbenhavns Huse og indvanere efter Branden, 1728]


== 1800s ==
'''1801''' The 1801 census was taken on 1 February is available {{RecordSearch|3733603|online}}, on [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/821682 microfilm] and [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/108 microfiche] at the FamilySearch Library. The microfiche version is a typed index by given name and farm name. The census is searchable at [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/1801 Digitalarkivet] and [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10814/1801-norway-census?s=209190711 MyHeritage] ($). Digitalarkivet has a page on [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/content/search-truncate searching with special search characters].
The census includes:
*All family members  
*All family members  
*All persons living with the family  
*All persons living with the family  
*Their relationships  
*Their relationships  
*Number of times married or widowed
*Ages  
*Ages  
*Occupations  
*Occupations  
Line 93: Line 159:
*Those living in the cities
*Those living in the cities


The '''1801''' Census is available on microfilm and microfiche at the Family History Library. The microfiche version is a typed index by given name and farm name. This census is also available as a searchable database at [http://digitalarkivet.uib.no/cgi-win/WebMeta.exe?slag=vismeny&katnr=1&emnenr=2&spraak=e Digitalarkivet]. You may do a search of the entire country or choose a county and parish.
Censuses were taken regularly in '''1815, 1825, 1835, 1845 and 1855''' and are available under '''More Searches''' on the home page of the [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/ Digital Archives]. The censuses are labeled as incomplete since they were purely statistical.
 
Censuses were taken regularly in '''1815, 1825, 1835, 1845 and 1855''', but most of them were purely statistical. For the period 1815-1855 a total of 198 lists of names, of varying quality, have been recorded.The census records that include more than statistical information have been microfilmed and are available at the Family History Library. The type of information in these censuses varies a great deal. They may be found in the FamilySearch Catalog by entering the [Year] and the words Norway and Census in the keyword search box, such as 1815 Norway Census.  


The following statistical census records, which also contain names of individuals, are available by searching Digitalarkivet. Follow the links below to access them.
'''1865''' The 1865 was taken on 31 December and is available on {{RecordSearch|3756102|FamilySearch}}. The records for Gol in Hallingdal, Oppland County is missing. This is a [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/content/abbreviations-census link to abbreviations] used in the 1865 census. The census is available at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/61753/ Ancestry] ($), [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10807/1865-norway-census?s=275764761 MyHeritage] ($), and at [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/1865 Digitalarkivet].
 
*[http://digitalarkivet.no/cgi-win/WebMeta.exe?slag=vismeny&fylkenr=&knr=&katnr=1&aar=18&dagens=&emnenr=14 1815]  
*[http://digitalarkivet.no/cgi-win/WebMeta.exe?slag=vismeny&fylkenr=&knr=&katnr=1&aar=18&dagens=&emnenr=8 1825]  
*[http://digitalarkivet.no/cgi-win/WebMeta.exe?slag=vismeny&fylkenr=&knr=&katnr=1&aar=18&dagens=&emnenr=9 1835]
 
Beginning in 1865 additional information is found in the census:


The census includes the following additional details:
*School districts within each parish  
*School districts within each parish  
*Indexes to farms and localities  
*Indexes to farms and localities  
Line 111: Line 170:
*Farm production
*Farm production


They differ from one another in format but contain very similar information.  
'''1870''' The 1870 Census was taken December 31, 1870. It only covers the cities and seaports. There are many cites missing: Hølen in Vestby, Åsgårdsstrand, Hamar, Stathelle, Kragerø, Farsund, Sandnes, Stavanger, Vardø and Vadsø. The census is searchable at {{RecordSearch|4135961|FamilySearch}}, and at [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/1870 Digitalarkivet].


'''1865''' The 1865 census has been microfilmed and is available at the Family History Library. Searchable databases are found at [http://digitalarkivet.arkivverket.no/ft/sok/1865 Digitalarkivet]. The records for Gol in Hallingdal, Oppland County is missing.  
'''1875''' The census was taken on 31 December 1875. The index for this census is incomplete. Partial indexes are available at [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/1875 Digitalarkivet], [https://rhd.uit.no/indexeng.html The Norwegian Historical Data Centre], and {{RecordSearch|1529106|FamilySearch}}. This census is available on microfilm at the [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/404359 FamilySearch Library]. More information about this census is available at [[Norway Census, 1875 - FamilySearch Historical Records|Norway Census, 1875]].


'''1870''' The 1870 Census was taken December 31, 1870. It only covers the cities and seaports. There are many cites missing: Hølen in Vestby, Åsgårdsstrand, Hamar, Stathelle, Kragerø, Farsund, Sandnes, Stavanger, Vardø and Vadsø.  
'''1885''' Like the 1870 Census this Census is also only for the cities and seaports, but it has an index, which is being put online! There were different forms used for the Lapps, Kveins, Finns, and persons of mixed nationalities. This census is available at the [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/1885 Digital Archives].  


There are no indexes for this Census, so it can be very time consuming to search.  
'''1891''' The 1891 census was taken on 1 January for the entire county and includes sailors. The people in the cities were asked to fill out the census forms themselves, while census takers went door to door in the country. More information about the census is available in the FamilySearch wiki article [[Norway, Census, 1891 - FamilySearch Historical Records|Norway, Census, 1891]]. The census is searchable at {{RecordSearch|4067726|FamilySearch}} and [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/1891 Digitalarkivet].


'''1875''' The 1875 census was taken on 31 December 1875. This census has been microfilmed and is available at the Family History Library. Searchable databases are found at [http://digitalarkivet.no/cgi-win/WebMeta.exe?slag=vismeny&katnr=1&emnenr=4 Digitalarkivet]as well as at the [http://www.rhd.uit.no/indexeng.html Norwegian Historical Data Center ]at the University of Tromsø, Norway. It is still in the process of being put online and is not yet completed for the whole country.  
== 1900s ==
'''1900''' The 1900 census was taken 3 December, 1900 and enumerates 2,315,654 individuals. All inhabitants were registered as to where they were at that time. The 1900 census also included data of individuals on Norwegians ships in harbors throughout the world and at sea. The census was kept on different forms. It contains 25,865 persons on 2,628 ships. Unfortunately, the 1900 census is not complete as some lists have been lost. More information about the census is available in the wiki article [[Norway, Census, 1900 - FamilySearch Historical Records]].


A second indexing of the 1875 census is in progress at Family Search. The collection is called [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1529106 Norway Census, 1875]. You may find records there that are not yet completed at Digitalarkivet.
Sections missing from the census are:
 
*Bærum herred in Akershus (Vestre Bærum prestegjeld, 3,219 persons)  
'''1885''' Like the 1870 Census this Census is also only for the cities and seaports, but it has an index, which is being put online! There were different forms used for the Lapps, Kveins, Finns, and persons of mixed nationalities. You will find this at the Digital Archives [http://digitalarkivet.uib.no/cgi-win/WebMeta.exe?slag=vismeny&fylkenr=&knr=&katnr=1&aar=18&dagens=&emnenr=11 Censuses, 1885].
*Risør kjøpstad in Aust-Agder (2 of 3 districts, 2,249 persons)  
 
*Siredalen herred in Vest-Agder (all, 1,644 persons)  
'''1891''' The 1891 census was taken for the entire county and should include seamen. The people in the cities were asked to fill out the census forms themselves, while census takers went door to door in the country.
*Skien kjøpstad in Telemark (93 households from Districts 1-29 + all of disticts 30-35, about 3,000 persons)  
 
Not all of these censuses have been microfilmed, but you may consult the Family History Library Catalog to see what is available. A quick method is to type "1891 Census Norway" in the Keyword search box.
 
The 1891 census is being added to the databases at [http://digitalarkivet.no/cgi-win/WebMeta.exe?slag=vismeny&fylkenr=&knr=&katnr=1&aar=18&dagens=&emnenr=12 Digitalarkivet], where you will find a list of those currently available.
 
=== Census Records, 1900's  ===
 
'''1900''' The 1900 census was taken 3 December, 1900. All inhabitants were registered as to where they were at that time. Unfortunately the 1900 census is not complete as lists must have been lost before they were to be delivered to Arkivverket. The following lists are missing.
 
*Bærum herred in Akershus (Vestre Bærum prestegjeld, 3219 persons)  
*Risør kjøpstad in Aust-Agder (2 of 3 districts, 2249 persons)  
*Siredalen herred in Vest-Agder (all, 1644 persons)  
*Skien kjøpstad in Telemark (93 households from Districts 1-29 + all of disticts 30-35, about 3000 persons)  
*Tysnes herred in Hordaland (District 3, 589 persons)  
*Tysnes herred in Hordaland (District 3, 589 persons)  
*Also various lists of persons for the whole country. For example, 70 households in Bergen and about 50 in Trondheim are missing.
*Also various lists of persons for the whole country. For example, 70 households in Bergen and about 50 in Trondheim are missing.


The 1900 census also included data of individuals on Norwegians ships in harbors throughout the world and at sea. The census was kept on different forms. It contains 25,865 persons on 2,628 ships. Following is the link for this and the heading is in Norwegian as [http://digitalarkivet.no/cgi-win/webcens.exe?slag=visbase&filnamn=s0landet&spraak=n&metanr=1673 Skipslistene for 1900-tellingen].  
The census is available online at the [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/1900 Digital Archives], the [https://rhd.uit.no/indexeng.html The Norwegian Historical Data Centre], [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60604/ Ancestry.com ($)], and on microfilm at [https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/365719 the FamilySearch Library]. A list of [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/content/abbreviations-census abbreviations] used in the 1900 census with their meaning is found at Digitalarkivet.  


The 1900 census has been microfilmed and is available at the Family History Library. The 1900 database is searchable at [http://digitalarkivet.uib.no/cgi-win/WebMeta.exe?slag=vismeny&katnr=1&emnenr=5 Digitalarkivet] and at [http://www.rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/folketellinger_e.aspx The Norwegian Historical Data Centre].  
'''1910''' The 1910 census includes 2,475,248 individuals and adds the full birth date. It has not been microfilmed and is not available at the FamilySearch Library. However, it has been put online as a database at both the  [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/ Digital Archives] and [https://rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/folketellinger_e.aspx The Norwegian Historical Data Centre].  More information about the census is available in the wiki article [[Norway, Census, 1910 - FamilySearch Historical Records]].


The Norwegian Historical Data Centre site is in both Norwegian and English and includes several of the censuses for Norway, but only the 1900 census is complete for the whole country.
'''1920''' The 1920 census became available in 2020 with indexing by the National Archives of Norway. Indexing for Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim has not been completed. Images are available online at the [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/search/sources Digital Archives]. The completed indexes can be searched at the Digital Archives' site, [https://www.digitalarkivet.no/en/census/search/1920 Search for persons in the 1920 Census].
 
A list of [http://arkivverket.no/eng/content/view/full/6047 abbreviations] used in the 1900 census with their meaning is found at Digitalarkivet.
 
After 1900, a census was taken every 10 years until 2000. The law restricts access for 100 years, so the latest census available is for 1910.
 
'''1910''' The 1910 census adds the full birth date. It has not been microfilmed and is not available at the Family History Library. However, it has been put online as a database at both [http://digitalarkivet.arkivverket.no/en-gb/ft/sok/1910 Digitalarkivet] and [http://www.rhd.uit.no/folketellinger/folketellinger_e.aspx The Norwegian Historical Data Centre].
 
It is possible to download the printed editions of the transcribed 1910 Census as a PDF file. A file is available for each parish. [http://arkivverket.no/eng/content/view/full/8463 1910 Census as pdf]  
 
The PDF file includes the census listings and four indexes--by first name, last name, birthplace, and residence.
 
=== Census Indexes  ===


The complete census consists of four separate forms.
#''Hovedliste'' (Main list) for each herred identifying the ''tellingkrets nummer'' (enumeration district number), ''tellingkrets navn'' (enumeration district name), the enumerator, and the number of permanent residents (''fast bosatt'') and number present (''tilstedeværende'')
#''Kretslist'' (District list) identifying the enumeration district number and name; the ''Hus- og husholdningslist'' (household list number), ''Gård'' (farm) and ''bruk'' (sub-farm or croft) number, ''bostedets eller beboerens navn'' (the name of the residence or occupant), and the number of residents
#''Hus- og husholdningslist'' (House and household list) giving the ''gard'', ''bruk'', and ''bostedets navn'', with statistical information about the residence.
#''Personseddel'' (Person sheets) with the particulars of that person
'''Personseddel 1920'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Nr. !! Norwegian !! English
|-
| 1. || Fullt Navn || Full Name
|-
| 2. || Mandkjøn, Kvindekjøn || Male, Female
|-
| 3. || Fødselsdag __ i året __ || Birth date __ in the year __
|-
| 4. || Fødested || Birthplace
|-
| 5a || Ugift, Gift, Enke, Enkemann, Separert efter bivilling, Lovlig fraskilt || Unmarried, Married, Widowed, Widower, Separated by dowry, Legally divorced
|-
| 5b || For gifte kvinner: Når gift? Samlet antal barn i ekteskapet? Herav i live? Oplysningene gjelder '''nuværende ekteskap''' || For married women: When married? Total number of children in the marriage? Of which live? The information applies to '''current marriage'''
|-
| 6. || Levevei (hovederhvervet) || Way of life (main occupation)
|-
| 7a || Hvis De arbeider for andre (som funksjonær, arbeider o.s.v.): Hvem arbeider De for? || If you work for others (such as a salaried employee, worker, etc.): Who do you work for?
|-
| 7b || Hvis De driver egen virksomhet: Anvender De leiet arbeidshhelp (ja eller nei)? || If you run your own business: Do you use hired work assistance (yes or no)?
|-
| 8. || Bierhverv (eller biinntekt) || Side occupation (or side income)
|-
| 9. || For alle som vesentlig forsørges av andre: Angi forsørgerens hovederhverv nøiaktig || For all those who are significantly supported by others: State the provider's main occupation accurately
|-
| 10a || Blind / Døvstum / Sinnssyk / Andssvak / Legemlig vanfør / Syk || Blind / Deaf and dumb / Insane / Mentally ill / Physically disabled / Sick
|-
| 10b || Er blindheten, døvheten o.s.v., vanførhen eller sykdommen: Antagelig medfødt eller i hvilken alder fremtrådt || Is the blindness, deafness, etc., the disability or the disease: Presumably congenital or at what age appeared
|-
| 11. || Arbeidsdyktig / Vesentlig nedsatt arbeidsevne / Helt arbeidsudyktig || Capable of work / Significantly reduced ability to work / Completely incapacitated for work
|-
| 12. || I hvilket land statsborgerskap: Norge eller ___ || Citizen of which country: Norway or ___
|-
| 13. || For alle norske som har været minst 2 år i Amerika: Hvilket år reist fra Norge? Hvilket år hjemkommet? || For all Norwegians who have been in America for at least 2 years: Which year traveled from Norway? What year did you return home?
|-
| 14. || Trossamfund: Statskirken eller ||  Religion: Lutheran or
|-
| 15. || Stilling i husholdningen: Hovedperson / Hustru / Sønn / Datter / Tjener / Losjerende: med full kost, med delvis kost, uten kost, Besøkende o.s.v. || Position in household: Head / Wife / Son / Daughter / Servant / Lodger with full board, with partial board, without board, Visitors, etc.
|-
| 16a || Er De fast bosatt i huset (ja eller nei) || Are you a permanent resident of the house (yes or no)
|-
| 16b || Var De tilstede i huset natt til 1. desember (ja eller nei) Hvis nei, antagelig opholdssted? || Were you present in the house the night of December 1 (yes or no) If no, your usual residence?
|}
== Microform Indexes ==
Search available indexes before using the actual census records. The information in an index may be incomplete or incorrect. If you believe your ancestor should have been in the census, search the census regardless of what you find in the index.  
Search available indexes before using the actual census records. The information in an index may be incomplete or incorrect. If you believe your ancestor should have been in the census, search the census regardless of what you find in the index.  


Street indexes are available for major cities throughout Norway. To use one you will need to know your ancestor's address for the time period of the census. You may search parish registers, letters, and other such records to find the address. A street index can help you find your ancestor faster in the census.  
Street indexes are available for major cities throughout Norway. To use one you will need to know your ancestor's address for the time period of the census. You may search parish registers, letters, and other such records to find the address. A street index can help you find your ancestor faster in the census.  


'''1801 Index''':&nbsp; All of the existing 1801 census has been indexed. (Holt and Dybvåg parishes in Aust-Agder county are missing; as well as Maridalen in Akershus county).&nbsp;
'''1801 Index''' All of the existing 1801 census has been indexed. (Holt and Dybvåg parishes in Aust-Agder county are missing; as well as Maridalen in Akershus county).


Two indexes exist for each parish: the first is organized according to the names of the farms and the second according to the given name of each person living in the parish. Each county also has two indexes: one by given name and one by surname. To search the 1801 index, you will need to know the county in which your ancestor lived. These indexes can be found in the Family History Library Catalog under:  
Two indexes exist for each parish: the first is organized according to the names of the farms and the second according to the given name of each person living in the parish. Each county also has two indexes: one by given name and one by surname. To search the 1801 index, you will need to know the county in which your ancestor lived. These indexes can be found in the FamilySearch Catalog under:  


NORWAY, [COUNTY] - CENSUS - 1801 - INDEXES<br>NORWAY, [COUNTY],[PARISH] - CENSUS - 1801  
NORWAY, [COUNTY] - CENSUS - 1801 - INDEXES<br>NORWAY, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CENSUS - 1801  


'''''''Later Census Indexes'''.&nbsp; There are additional indexes for various parishes. These indexes are usually organized by given name and surname. To see if there are indexes from the area you are interested in, check the Family History Library Catalog under one of the following:''
'''Later Census Indexes''' There are additional indexes for various parishes. These indexes are usually organized by given name and surname. To see if there are indexes from the area you are interested in, check the FamilySearch Catalog under one of the following:


NORWAY, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CENSUS - [YEAR] - INDEXES  
NORWAY, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CENSUS - [YEAR] - INDEXES
 
=== Searching Census Records  ===


== Searching Census Records ==
When searching census records, it is important to remember the following:  
When searching census records, it is important to remember the following:  
*Given names may not always be as complete as the name recorded in church records.  
*Given names may not always be as complete as the name recorded in church records.  
*There were no standardized spelling.&nbsp; Most people spelled phonetically.  
*There were no standardized spelling. Most people spelled phonetically. Alternate spellings may use * as wildcard, or insert "|" between variant spellings. <br>
*Ages could be incorrect.  
*Ages could be incorrect.  
*Information may be incorrect. We do not know who gave the information to the census takers.  
*Information may be incorrect. We do not know who gave the information to the census takers.  
Line 187: Line 271:
When you find your family in one census, search that same location in earlier and later census records for additional family members. Sources that may give street addresses for large cities in Norway include Church records of christenings, marriages, burials and probate records.  
When you find your family in one census, search that same location in earlier and later census records for additional family members. Sources that may give street addresses for large cities in Norway include Church records of christenings, marriages, burials and probate records.  


|}
A handout from the FamilySearch Library class, ''How to Search Census Records in Norway'' is available as a [[Media:SYLLABUS_Census_recod_Webinar_2014FS(1)_-_Copy.pdf|PDF file]].
 
== Signs and Symbols Used in the Indexes at the Digital Archives ==
 
In the transcripts there will occur signs and symbols which signify special relations in the original source or the electronically registered version:
 
(??) signifies that the handwriting in the original is indistinct or illegible (e.g. 'Kristi??')
 
(@) is used as a separator between two alternative readings of the original when it is impossible to decide which is the correct one (e.g. 'Even@Sven')
 
(%) indicates stricken out text in the source. If a word or a sentence is stricken out it is marked with a % in front and behind the stricken out word (e.g. 'Peder%Hans%')
 
(!!) signifies that this information in the source must be wrong for obvious reasons (!! alone in a field means that the information is missing)


'''A wiki article describing an online collection is found at:'''
An asterik (*) after a piece of information, e.g. a surname, indicates that the information is not given in the original, but included by the registrator on the basis of the information regarding the surrounding persons in the source


*[[Norway 1875 Census (FamilySearch Historical Records)|Norway 1875 Census (FamilySearch Historical Records]]
(E:) indicates that the following note is that of the registrator and not to be found in the source


[[Category:Norway]]
[[Category:Norway]] [[Category:Census_records_in_Norway]]
[[Category:Census records by country|Norway]]

Latest revision as of 13:22, 22 April 2024


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Online Records[edit | edit source]

Introduction[edit | edit source]

A census is a count and description of the population. Censuses have been taken by the Norwegian government and by ecclesiastical officials for population studies and taxation purposes. Census and census-like records are found from the 1500s-2000. After 1900, a national census was taken every 10 years until 2000. Access to national censuses is restricted by law for a period of 100 years after the date of enumeration.

Many municipalities also created censuses of their residents. These are usually available at the city archives or the regional state archives. As a general rule these are only restricted for a period of 60 years.

Usually the term census is applied to three record types:

  • Manntall - Usually lists of males only, sometimes recorded for purposes of enrollment in military service
  • Skattemantall - Tax lists which may include only specific parts of the populace
  • Folketellinger - Complete enumerations of the population

Census records may provide information about a person's:

  • Name
  • Age
  • Family relationships
  • Year of birth
  • Birthplace
  • Physical health (deaf, dumb, mute, etc.)

Census records are especially valuable because they list a large portion of the population. They provide information when records (or portions of records) are missing. Generally, you will find more detailed family information in more recent censuses. The census records identify birthplaces beginning in 1865. Use the information with caution, however, since some information may be incorrect. Remember the census records are secondary sources!

Records Prior to 1600[edit | edit source]

Aslak Bolts jordebok[edit | edit source]

This the first census-like registration in Norway. It was made about 1430 by Aslak Bolt (1377-1450), Archbishop of Nidaros. The registration was made for economic reasons as the Catholic church, which was the official religion of Norway at the time, was in serious debt. The Black Death had ravaged the country, and many farms were left desolate. Close to 2/3 of the Norwegian population had perished.

All properties were registered so taxes could be assessed. The registration includes the value of each property, amount of taxes paid (or not), and the name(s) of the owners. As the registration only applied to the archdioces of Nidaros it only include properties in Møre og Romsdal, Sør-Trøndelag, Nord-Trøndelag, and Nordland counties.

The first printed edition of was published by Peter Andreas Munch in 1852. A second version was produced in 1997 by the National Archives of Norway from the original manuscript in the Münchensamlingen (München Collection) in Riksarkivet in Oslo. The manuscript is in such poor condition that it is not available to the general public. In the print version the handwritten manuscript is shown on the left page, and a modern Norwegian language translation is given on the right page. The published version also includes an index by given-name, and place-name.

1600s[edit | edit source]

1664 to 1666: Two censuses were taken, one clerical done by the local priest, and one civil done by the local bailiff. These are called the "Titus Bülche censuses" named after Titus Bülche, a Danish official with responsibilities over church affairs who ordered these enumerations. These censuses cover the rural areas only. For some parts of Norway all or part of the census is missing. Finnmark county was not included. Records are organized by county, parish, and then by farm. The 1664 census only included males over the age of 12, but in the 1666 census younger boys may also be included.

The following information was given:

  • names and ages of the head of household
  • all male family members over age 12

These records are available on microfilm at the FamilySearch Library with the titles Fogd og sorenskrivers manntall 1664-1666 and Sogneprestenes manntall 1664-1666. Scanned images are online at the Norway Digital Archives with the title 1663-1666 Church male census. The baliff's census 1664-1666 Bailiff's census for Norway

Other census records from the 1600's were:

  • Koppskattemanntall 1645/1646: a tax on persons
  • Quægskatten 1657/1658, which was a tax on cattle

1700s/1900s[edit | edit source]

1701: This census was taken September 1701, and includes all males age 1 and older. This census did not include Finnmark County or cities. Large portions of Agder County and the eastern part of Norway are lost. Scanned color images are available on the Digital Archives with the title Census (manntall) 1701. As of August 2019 the census at Digital Archives is only partially indexed. A black and white microfilm copy is available at the FamilySearch Library under the title Manntall 1701, Norge : avskrift av kongelig befaling av den 26de juli 1701.

Mid-1700s: During this time period, a clerical census called a "Register of Souls" (sjeleregister) was taken. It is more of a true census than the previous ones listing all members of a family and all persons living with the family. Most of these records have been lost, but they have been preserved for some areas. Rogaland is the only county for which the entire 1758 census is preserved. Some "Register of Souls" can be found in the parish registers.

Other noteworthy census and Sjeleregister records include the following:

Oslo

Østfold

Akershus

Hedmark

Oppland

Buskerud

Telemark

Aust-Agder

Vest-Agder

Rogaland

Bergen

Hordaland

Sogn og Fjordane

Møre og Romsdal

Sør-Trøndelag

Nord-Trøndelag

Nordland

Troms

Finnmark

Abroad

1800s[edit | edit source]

1801 The 1801 census was taken on 1 February is available online, on microfilm and microfiche at the FamilySearch Library. The microfiche version is a typed index by given name and farm name. The census is searchable at Digitalarkivet and MyHeritage ($). Digitalarkivet has a page on searching with special search characters. The census includes:

  • All family members
  • All persons living with the family
  • Their relationships
  • Number of times married or widowed
  • Ages
  • Occupations
  • Names of farms
  • Those living in the cities

Censuses were taken regularly in 1815, 1825, 1835, 1845 and 1855 and are available under More Searches on the home page of the Digital Archives. The censuses are labeled as incomplete since they were purely statistical.

1865 The 1865 was taken on 31 December and is available on FamilySearch. The records for Gol in Hallingdal, Oppland County is missing. This is a link to abbreviations used in the 1865 census. The census is available at Ancestry ($), MyHeritage ($), and at Digitalarkivet.

The census includes the following additional details:

  • School districts within each parish
  • Indexes to farms and localities
  • Individual creeds, other than the national church
  • Number of domestic animals on each farm
  • Farm production

1870 The 1870 Census was taken December 31, 1870. It only covers the cities and seaports. There are many cites missing: Hølen in Vestby, Åsgårdsstrand, Hamar, Stathelle, Kragerø, Farsund, Sandnes, Stavanger, Vardø and Vadsø. The census is searchable at FamilySearch, and at Digitalarkivet.

1875 The census was taken on 31 December 1875. The index for this census is incomplete. Partial indexes are available at Digitalarkivet, The Norwegian Historical Data Centre, and FamilySearch. This census is available on microfilm at the FamilySearch Library. More information about this census is available at Norway Census, 1875.

1885 Like the 1870 Census this Census is also only for the cities and seaports, but it has an index, which is being put online! There were different forms used for the Lapps, Kveins, Finns, and persons of mixed nationalities. This census is available at the Digital Archives.

1891 The 1891 census was taken on 1 January for the entire county and includes sailors. The people in the cities were asked to fill out the census forms themselves, while census takers went door to door in the country. More information about the census is available in the FamilySearch wiki article Norway, Census, 1891. The census is searchable at FamilySearch and Digitalarkivet.

1900s[edit | edit source]

1900 The 1900 census was taken 3 December, 1900 and enumerates 2,315,654 individuals. All inhabitants were registered as to where they were at that time. The 1900 census also included data of individuals on Norwegians ships in harbors throughout the world and at sea. The census was kept on different forms. It contains 25,865 persons on 2,628 ships. Unfortunately, the 1900 census is not complete as some lists have been lost. More information about the census is available in the wiki article Norway, Census, 1900 - FamilySearch Historical Records.

Sections missing from the census are:

  • Bærum herred in Akershus (Vestre Bærum prestegjeld, 3,219 persons)
  • Risør kjøpstad in Aust-Agder (2 of 3 districts, 2,249 persons)
  • Siredalen herred in Vest-Agder (all, 1,644 persons)
  • Skien kjøpstad in Telemark (93 households from Districts 1-29 + all of disticts 30-35, about 3,000 persons)
  • Tysnes herred in Hordaland (District 3, 589 persons)
  • Also various lists of persons for the whole country. For example, 70 households in Bergen and about 50 in Trondheim are missing.

The census is available online at the Digital Archives, the The Norwegian Historical Data Centre, Ancestry.com ($), and on microfilm at the FamilySearch Library. A list of abbreviations used in the 1900 census with their meaning is found at Digitalarkivet.

1910 The 1910 census includes 2,475,248 individuals and adds the full birth date. It has not been microfilmed and is not available at the FamilySearch Library. However, it has been put online as a database at both the Digital Archives and The Norwegian Historical Data Centre. More information about the census is available in the wiki article Norway, Census, 1910 - FamilySearch Historical Records.

1920 The 1920 census became available in 2020 with indexing by the National Archives of Norway. Indexing for Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim has not been completed. Images are available online at the Digital Archives. The completed indexes can be searched at the Digital Archives' site, Search for persons in the 1920 Census.

The complete census consists of four separate forms.

  1. Hovedliste (Main list) for each herred identifying the tellingkrets nummer (enumeration district number), tellingkrets navn (enumeration district name), the enumerator, and the number of permanent residents (fast bosatt) and number present (tilstedeværende)
  2. Kretslist (District list) identifying the enumeration district number and name; the Hus- og husholdningslist (household list number), Gård (farm) and bruk (sub-farm or croft) number, bostedets eller beboerens navn (the name of the residence or occupant), and the number of residents
  3. Hus- og husholdningslist (House and household list) giving the gard, bruk, and bostedets navn, with statistical information about the residence.
  4. Personseddel (Person sheets) with the particulars of that person

Personseddel 1920

Nr. Norwegian English
1. Fullt Navn Full Name
2. Mandkjøn, Kvindekjøn Male, Female
3. Fødselsdag __ i året __ Birth date __ in the year __
4. Fødested Birthplace
5a Ugift, Gift, Enke, Enkemann, Separert efter bivilling, Lovlig fraskilt Unmarried, Married, Widowed, Widower, Separated by dowry, Legally divorced
5b For gifte kvinner: Når gift? Samlet antal barn i ekteskapet? Herav i live? Oplysningene gjelder nuværende ekteskap For married women: When married? Total number of children in the marriage? Of which live? The information applies to current marriage
6. Levevei (hovederhvervet) Way of life (main occupation)
7a Hvis De arbeider for andre (som funksjonær, arbeider o.s.v.): Hvem arbeider De for? If you work for others (such as a salaried employee, worker, etc.): Who do you work for?
7b Hvis De driver egen virksomhet: Anvender De leiet arbeidshhelp (ja eller nei)? If you run your own business: Do you use hired work assistance (yes or no)?
8. Bierhverv (eller biinntekt) Side occupation (or side income)
9. For alle som vesentlig forsørges av andre: Angi forsørgerens hovederhverv nøiaktig For all those who are significantly supported by others: State the provider's main occupation accurately
10a Blind / Døvstum / Sinnssyk / Andssvak / Legemlig vanfør / Syk Blind / Deaf and dumb / Insane / Mentally ill / Physically disabled / Sick
10b Er blindheten, døvheten o.s.v., vanførhen eller sykdommen: Antagelig medfødt eller i hvilken alder fremtrådt Is the blindness, deafness, etc., the disability or the disease: Presumably congenital or at what age appeared
11. Arbeidsdyktig / Vesentlig nedsatt arbeidsevne / Helt arbeidsudyktig Capable of work / Significantly reduced ability to work / Completely incapacitated for work
12. I hvilket land statsborgerskap: Norge eller ___ Citizen of which country: Norway or ___
13. For alle norske som har været minst 2 år i Amerika: Hvilket år reist fra Norge? Hvilket år hjemkommet? For all Norwegians who have been in America for at least 2 years: Which year traveled from Norway? What year did you return home?
14. Trossamfund: Statskirken eller Religion: Lutheran or
15. Stilling i husholdningen: Hovedperson / Hustru / Sønn / Datter / Tjener / Losjerende: med full kost, med delvis kost, uten kost, Besøkende o.s.v. Position in household: Head / Wife / Son / Daughter / Servant / Lodger with full board, with partial board, without board, Visitors, etc.
16a Er De fast bosatt i huset (ja eller nei) Are you a permanent resident of the house (yes or no)
16b Var De tilstede i huset natt til 1. desember (ja eller nei) Hvis nei, antagelig opholdssted? Were you present in the house the night of December 1 (yes or no) If no, your usual residence?

Microform Indexes[edit | edit source]

Search available indexes before using the actual census records. The information in an index may be incomplete or incorrect. If you believe your ancestor should have been in the census, search the census regardless of what you find in the index.

Street indexes are available for major cities throughout Norway. To use one you will need to know your ancestor's address for the time period of the census. You may search parish registers, letters, and other such records to find the address. A street index can help you find your ancestor faster in the census.

1801 Index All of the existing 1801 census has been indexed. (Holt and Dybvåg parishes in Aust-Agder county are missing; as well as Maridalen in Akershus county).

Two indexes exist for each parish: the first is organized according to the names of the farms and the second according to the given name of each person living in the parish. Each county also has two indexes: one by given name and one by surname. To search the 1801 index, you will need to know the county in which your ancestor lived. These indexes can be found in the FamilySearch Catalog under:

NORWAY, [COUNTY] - CENSUS - 1801 - INDEXES
NORWAY, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CENSUS - 1801

Later Census Indexes There are additional indexes for various parishes. These indexes are usually organized by given name and surname. To see if there are indexes from the area you are interested in, check the FamilySearch Catalog under one of the following:

NORWAY, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - CENSUS - [YEAR] - INDEXES

Searching Census Records[edit | edit source]

When searching census records, it is important to remember the following:

  • Given names may not always be as complete as the name recorded in church records.
  • There were no standardized spelling. Most people spelled phonetically. Alternate spellings may use * as wildcard, or insert "|" between variant spellings.
  • Ages could be incorrect.
  • Information may be incorrect. We do not know who gave the information to the census takers.
  • Spellings of place names may vary.
  • If you do not find a family at the expected address, search the surrounding areas.

When you find your family in one census, search that same location in earlier and later census records for additional family members. Sources that may give street addresses for large cities in Norway include Church records of christenings, marriages, burials and probate records.

A handout from the FamilySearch Library class, How to Search Census Records in Norway is available as a PDF file.

Signs and Symbols Used in the Indexes at the Digital Archives[edit | edit source]

In the transcripts there will occur signs and symbols which signify special relations in the original source or the electronically registered version:

(??) signifies that the handwriting in the original is indistinct or illegible (e.g. 'Kristi??')

(@) is used as a separator between two alternative readings of the original when it is impossible to decide which is the correct one (e.g. 'Even@Sven')

(%) indicates stricken out text in the source. If a word or a sentence is stricken out it is marked with a % in front and behind the stricken out word (e.g. 'Peder%Hans%')

(!!) signifies that this information in the source must be wrong for obvious reasons (!! alone in a field means that the information is missing)

An asterik (*) after a piece of information, e.g. a surname, indicates that the information is not given in the original, but included by the registrator on the basis of the information regarding the surrounding persons in the source

(E:) indicates that the following note is that of the registrator and not to be found in the source

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