In the United States, federal censuses are taken every 10 years. Each census becomes available to the public after 72 years. The 1950 U.S. Census is the latest census to be released.
For census-searching tips and facts, see our census research guide. Or download a blank 1950 census form to see the categories without information filled in.
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- From any page on Ancestry, select the Search tab and then choose Card Catalog.
- In the top-right corner of the Results list, in the Sort By menu, select Collection Title.
- On the left side of the page, in the Keyword(s) search field, type 1950 and then select Search.
- In the Results list on the right, select 1950 United States Federal Census.
- Enter information about someone you want to find and then select Search.
Background for the 1950 U.S. Census
The 1950 U.S. Census enumeration began on April 1, 1950. It was 99% complete by the end of June 1950. This census covered the continental 48 states and the territories of Alaska and Hawaii. It also covered American Samoa, the Panama Canal Zone, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and some smaller territories.
In all, the census counted 151 million people—a 14% increase from 1940. About 83 million people in the U.S. today have a parent who was born before the 1950 census.
For each baby born in January, February, or March of 1950, enumerators (census takers) filled out an additional infant card.
People were enumerated (counted) where they were located:
- Students were counted at colleges and universities.
- Transients were counted at hotels and other temporary paid living quarters.
- Members of the armed forces and their families were counted where they slept rather than where they were stationed.
- Other Americans abroad were counted at their foreign location, as reported by their families or neighbors in the United States.
In 1951, the first non-military computer (UNIVAC I) was used to tabulate some statistics of this census.
Facts collected by this census
Facts collected by this census
- State, county, incorporated place or township, enumeration district
- Street address
- Whether or not a farm (or ranch)
- Whether or not on three or more acres
- Agriculture questionnaire number
Household and relationships
- Name of each person at the residence
- Each person’s relationship to the head of household
Personal information
- Race
- Sex
- Age (for infants younger than 1 year, the census lists the month of birth)
- Marital status (single, married, widowed, or divorced)
- Birthplace
- If naturalized (if foreign born)
For persons 14 years of age and over
Employment
- Were they: working, keeping house, other, or unable to work
- Did they do any work last week, not counting work around the house?
- If no, are they looking for work?
- If no, do they have a job or business?
- Hours worked
- Type of work
- Type of business or industry
- Class of worker (self-employed, works in the private sector or government)
Supplemental questions (asked of 20% of the population)
Residence information
- Living in this same house a year ago?
- Living on a farm a year ago?
- Living in this same county a year ago?
- If no, what county (or nearest place) were they living in a year ago?
- If no, what state or foreign country were they living in a year ago?
Personal information
- Father’s birthplace and mother’s birthplace
- If ever married:
- Been married more than once?
- Years since last married, widowed, divorced, or separated?
- Number of live births (if female)
Education
- Highest grade attended
- Did they finish this grade?
- School attendance since February 1 (yes, no, or 30 or over)
For persons 14 years of age and over
Employment
- If looking for work:
- Number of weeks looking for work
- Number of weeks worked in 1949 (not counting work around the house)
- Income earned by this person as an employee in 1949
- Income earned by this person working in their own business, professional practice, or farm in 1949
- Income from dividends, veteran’s allowances, pensions, rents, or other in 1949
- Income received by household relatives in 1949 (for head of household)
Military service
- Service in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, World War I, or any other time (if male)
Frequently asked questions
What’s an enumerator?
An enumerator is a census taker. This person collects census data from each household in an area.
What’s an enumeration district?
An enumeration district is the area covered by a single enumerator (census taker).
How big are enumeration districts?
Enumeration districts can be different sizes. The size of a district is based on how densely populated an area is. An enumeration district might cover only a city block in a tightly packed city. Or it might cover a whole county in a rural area where houses are few and far between.
What’s an infant card?
An infant card is an extra form (form P3) that was filled out about each baby born in January, February, or March of 1950. Most infant card information is identical to the main census form, but the infant card could contain additional details such as the baby’s actual place of birth (beyond their residence) and mother’s maiden name.
Infant cards were not created for babies who died before the census count began on April 1, 1950.
What’s an agriculture questionnaire number?
In addition to collecting information about people, the 1950 U.S. Census also collected data about farms, houses on three or more acres, and places with certain agricultural operations. The agricultural questionnaire number refers to the specific form that was filled out about that location.