The census officially took place on October 27, 1870, based on information collected as of July 16 of the same year,[1] and predates the first nationwide census by five months.
The total population count of Manitoba in 1870 was 12,228.
The 1870 census consisted of one "schedule" or census data collection form with twenty questions including sex, conjugal (marital) condition, religion, age, and birthplace.
There were 6,277 males and 5,868 females identified in the census; another 83 Manitobans did not provide a response.
For census purposes, Manitoba was divided into five districts and 33 parishes:[2] The paper records were microfilmed and are available online at the Library and Archives Canada web site.