Free cencus search?

Question:Is there a free census records site which I can search for my ancestors? I've registered to a few but as soon as I click the search it sends me to a page asking me to pay to view my findings! Very frustrating!

Does anyone know of a site which is actually free!?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Is there a free census records site which I can search for my ancestors? I've registered to a few but as soon as I click the search it sends me to a page asking me to pay to view my findings! Very frustrating!

Does anyone know of a site which is actually free!?

Here in the UK there is only the 1881 census that is completely free to view and download, all the rest of them you have to pay for. If you look at the home page at www.ancestry.co.uk you will see that the English and Welsh 1881 census are * starred , just to make it clear they are the only free census in the UK.
You could use the new pay per view scheme on ancestry.co.uk my friend says its quite good, I have the world deluxe membership, and I would be quite happy to do the search for you and share the image if you would like to email me through my profile.
Hope this helps.

Ancestry.co.uk and Ancestry.com both allow you to see the 1901 and 1881 census for free. I don't know any other sites that will. At he moment they are giving a free look at them all for two weeks but you must remember to cancel before that time or you'll be billed for the year.

Most of them do. The National Archive is free though

The reality is that posting census records online is something that involves cost to the 'supplier' in terms of server space, etc. I am not aware of ANY site that offers all census records for free. If they have to pay, it is reasonable to pass the cost along as a business.
Many local libraries subscribe to either ancestry or heritage quest as a service to patrons.. you can check with your library. You DO need to consider that you pay for this with your tax dollars.. and the ability to get the info at home, any time of day or night, without cost of time or gas, is something to consider. Overall, the cost for ancestry is well within reason.
Not to offend you.. but the expectation that genealogy 'should' be free, is not realistic. You can manage your expenses, but for serious research, there is always a cost somewhere.

Ditto with Wendy.

Also,

www.census-online.com

Then, click on "links", then pick the state, then the county. What is available varies from county to county. Some counties have a lot on this site, some do not. Most will have the 1880 census, but not all. For many, you will be able to get other years as well, but again, that varies from county to county. For most, they are transcribed........not scanned copies of originals. A few may actually have the originals.

Ancestry.com is a PAID site but have a few FREE features. You can get the 1880 census on there for free, but have to pay for the rest. You can see what other records are AVAILABLE for your person you are researching, but you cannot actually see most of them without paying. At least it lets you know what is out there. Also, do a general google search for a particular county........something like "Carroll County Virginia genealogy".......using whatever county and state you are searching........and see what options come up. Many counties will have genealogical sites with free information for that county only.

NO free site is going to have everything.

In the USA, go to an LDS FHC. They have access. It isn't 24/7 but it is free. Call first for hours.

Be smarter, too. If there was a magic site that let everyone view 1790 -1930 for free, would Ancestry stay in business?

The Internet isn't magic. You have to temper your red-hot wishes with the cold water of reason. If you don't, you'll end up with 14 Cherokee Princesses and two Civil War Colonels of Oklahoma paratroop regiments in your tree.