The 1950 Census: A Treasure Trove for Family Historians

The 1950 census is a valuable resource for anyone researching their family history. It provides a snapshot of American life at the beginning of the Cold War and the postwar boom, and it can be used to learn about your ancestors’ lives, including where they lived, who they lived with, their occupations, and their education levels.

What Information is Included in the 1950 Census?

The 1950 census includes a variety of information about each person living in a household, including:

• Name
• Relationship to the head of household
• Age
• Sex
• Race
• Marital status
• Year of marriage
• Place of birth
• Year of immigration
• Citizenship status
• Mother tongue
• Occupation
• Industry
• Class of worker
• Years of school completed
• Home ownership
• Value of home
• Monthly rent

In addition to this individual information, the census also includes information about the household, such as the number of rooms in the home, the presence of a radio, and the availability of running water and a toilet.

How to Find the 1950 Census

The 1950 census is available online through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website. You can search the census records by name, location, or other criteria. The records are free to access, but you will need to create an account with NARA to view them.

Tips for Using the 1950 Census

Here are some tips for using the 1950 census to find your ancestors:

• Start by searching for your ancestors’ names in the census index. The index lists the names of all individuals who were recorded in the census.
• Once you have found your ancestor’s name in the index, you can view their individual census record. The record will include all of the information listed above.
• Pay attention to the details in the census record. For example, the place of birth can be a valuable clue to your ancestors’ origins. The occupation can provide insights into their economic status and lifestyle.
• Compare the information in the census record to other sources, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and death certificates. This can help you to verify the accuracy of the information in the census record and to learn more about your ancestors’ lives.

FAQs about the 1950 Census

Why are some people missing from the 1950 census?

There are a few reasons why some people might be missing from the 1950 census. For example, they may have been living in an institution, such as a hospital or prison, or they may have been living in a remote area that was not surveyed. Additionally, some individuals may have been missed by the enumerators.

Where can I find information about military members in the 1950 census?

Military personnel who were stationed overseas or on ships were not included in the 1950 census. However, you may be able to find information about them in other records, such as military service records.

What about agricultural questionnaires?

The 1950 census included separate questionnaires for farms. These questionnaires provide information about the farm’s acreage, crops, livestock, and other agricultural activities. You can find these questionnaires online through NARA.

How good is the quality of the 1950 census images?

The quality of the 1950 census images varies. Some images are clear and easy to read, while others are faded or blurry. If you are having trouble reading an image, you can try adjusting the brightness and contrast settings on your computer screen.

What happened to the original census pages?

The original 1950 census pages were destroyed after 72 years. This was done to protect the privacy of individuals who were recorded in the census. However, microfilm copies of the census records are still available through NARA.

The 1950 census is a valuable resource for anyone researching their family history. By using the tips and resources provided above, you can learn more about your ancestors and their lives.