Begin with the most recent census available (1930) and methodically work your way back in time. 

Most census research can be conducted online at ancestry.com or heritagequest.com.  If you do not have access to these, find a library that has an institutional membership.

If you do not find your people in one of the online census databases, seek out a library that has census records on microfilm and published or microfilm (soundex) indexes.

Some facts you should know about census:

Every ten years since 1790, the federal government has been counting people.  Census records are confidential for 72 years; thus, the most recent census available for the public to use is 1930.

The earliest surviving census for Georgia is 1820.

The 1890 census for the entire United States was destroyed.  All that remains for Georgia is one page of Muscogee County and a county copy of Washington County. 

Information content varies with each census year.  1850 is the first census that names everyone in the household.  Previous census years name only the head of household and include the number of people in the household by age and gender groupings.

1870 is the first census after emancipation; thus, it is the first census to list former slaves by name.

If you use the microfilm soundex to the 1880 and 1910 census, be aware:

• 1880 soundex (on microfilm) only includes family with children 10 or under. 
• 1910 soundex (on microfilm) has separate rolls of microfilm for the major cities.

Finished your census work?  Try researching county records.