What Information Can You Expect to Find on the 1950 US Federal Census—and How to Use It in Your Genealogy Research
The 1950 US Federal Census is a goldmine for genealogists, offering a detailed snapshot of American households in the mid-20th century. Here’s what you’ll find on the census and how each detail can help you build your family history.
Date and Place of Enumeration
The census records the date it was taken and the exact location—state, county, and city, town, or district—where the household was enumerated. This information is crucial for placing your ancestors in a specific place and time. For example, if you find a child under 10 listed, the census location can suggest where to search for their birth records. Although the census usually lists only the state or country of birth, knowing the family’s residence narrows down which local offices to contact for vital records. If you think your ancestor owned land, this location detail also points you to the correct county for property records.
Household Members and Relationships
Each census entry lists all members of the household and their relationship to the head of household. This helps document family structure—not just parents and children, but also grandchildren, in-laws, or even unrelated individuals like boarders or domestic workers. While the census is a strong indicator of these relationships, it’s best to confirm them with birth, marriage, and death records whenever possible.
Race and Gender
The census records each person’s race and gender, providing additional clues to confirm identities, especially when dealing with common names or large families. Keep in mind that the terminology used in 1950 may differ from today’s standards.
Marital Status
Marital status is another key field, even if a spouse isn’t listed. If someone is marked as divorced, widowed, or separated, this can prompt you to look for marriage or divorce records, or earlier census entries to identify previous spouses. Sometimes, special notations in this column may indicate remarriage or other circumstances—consult census guides for clarification.
Place of Birth
The place of birth field, usually just the state or country, helps you focus your search for birth or baptismal records and can point to earlier census entries in the same area. For foreign-born individuals, knowing their country of origin is especially useful for tracing immigration and naturalization records.
Citizenship and Naturalization
For those born outside the United States, the census notes citizenship or naturalization status. This reveals whether someone is a naturalized citizen, in the process of becoming one, or not naturalized at all—leading you to valuable immigration and naturalization documents.
Employment and Occupation
The 1950 Census details each adult’s employment status, occupation, industry, and the number of hours worked in the previous week. These details offer insight into your ancestor’s economic situation and daily life. Knowing their occupation can help you find related records, such as union memberships or company archives.
Residence Details and Household Composition
The census includes the family’s address, which can help you locate property records, city directories, or even photographs of the neighborhood. It also shows who lived together at the time, revealing extended family, boarders, or unrelated individuals—valuable for tracking family changes and identifying potential relatives.
Residence One Year Earlier
A unique question in the 1950 Census asks whether the family lived in the same house a year earlier. If not, this can provide clues about when and why the family moved, and point you to records in a previous location.
Farm Status
Finally, the census notes whether the household was on a farm. This detail can guide you to agricultural census schedules, farm ownership records, and rural land deeds, all of which add depth to your family’s story.
In Summary
By analyzing these fields, you can gain a deeper understanding of your ancestor’s work, home life, and community, and open up new avenues for research in employment, property, and agricultural records. The 1950 Census is a cornerstone for anyone tracing mid-20th-century American families—be sure to use it alongside other records to build a complete and accurate family history.