State and colonial censuses were often taken for military or tax purposes and provide important genealogical information. They have strengths like placing individuals at a time and place and documenting relations. Weaknesses include legibility, undercounting remote areas, and inaccuracies. State censuses may ask different questions than federal censuses and fill gaps when federal censuses are missing. They provide details like birthplaces, occupations, and veteran status. Availability varies by state with some having no records after a certain period. Bibliographies and resources are listed to locate existing state census records.