Historical Census Tract Maps and Data
Demographic Data for Census Tracts prior to 1990
The 1990 census was the first census where census tracts were delineated nationwide. In the 1980 and earlier censuses, census tracts generally were defined only in metropolitan areas. Demographic data for pre-1990 census tracts can be found in the PHC-80-3 series of printed reports at most Federal Depository Libraries.
Tract Outline Maps for 1980 and earlier Censuses
To find paper maps showing the census tract boundaries you will have to find a Federal Depository Library.
The 1992 TIGER/Line files contain electronic boundary information for the 1980 census tracts for use with Geographic Information System (GIS) software. These TIGER/Line files are not map images nor do they contain any display or mapping software. We do not know of any source of electronic files for 1970 or earlier census tract boundaries, but sources to try for leads to this information are Census State Data Centers. These are local organizations that have a partnership with the Census Bureau to share our data and help others use Census data. Since they work with a variety of data users, one of these agencies may know of geographic files built by others (probably from the paper maps).
Comments and questions may be sent to:
Geography Division
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Geography Division
