Alaska was first included on the U.S. decennial census in 1880; but (the Sitka area excluded) personal data are available for only the twentieth century. The 1880 census return form most settlements counted people but recorded no individual details; the 1890 enumeration, as with most states and territories, suffered destruction (by fire). The 1900, 1910 and 1920 data sheets have been microfilmed for public availability.

Alaska Natives have been included also in special censuses. The nature of those enumerations have varied widely - from minicipal population counts to incarcerations - but often these lists are the only possible sources for information within their timeframes and locations. The returns are available at the Rasmuson Library (in Fairbanks, Alaska).