What was the population in 1792?

In 1792, the population of the United States was 3,919,023 people.

This figure represents the final official tally of the First United States Census, which was conducted in 1790 and officially released by the government in 1792. The results of this initial census were crucial for the newly formed nation, providing a foundational understanding of its demographic makeup for purposes such as congressional representation.

Context of the 1792 Population Count

The 1792 population total encompassed all inhabitants across the then-expanding United States. This comprehensive count included:

• Fourteen states: The established states of the union.
• Kentucky: At the time of the census, Kentucky was considered a territory, though it attained statehood in 1792.
• Southwest territories: This broadly included the region that would later become the state of Tennessee.

The First U.S. Census was a pioneering effort to systematically count the nation's residents, setting a precedent for the decennial censuses that continue to this day. It provided vital statistics for legislative apportionment and helped shape early American policies.

Key Figures from the First U.S. Census (1790)

The table below summarizes the core demographic information as officially reported:

For further details on the historical population data and the evolution of the census, you can explore resources provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.