1950 Census Records

The National Archives is releasing the 1950 Census records on April 1, 2022.

About the 1950 Census

The 1950 Census opens a window into one of the most transformative periods in modern American history, revealing a country of roughly 151 million people who had just recently emerged from the hardships and uncertainties of World War II and the Great Depression.

The History of the 1950 Census of Population and Housing

In all, the 1950 census found 481,545 Americans living and working abroad for the federal government or on a merchant ship — a marked increase from the 118,933 found in 1940.

A Stroke of Genealogy: Searching U.S. Census Bureau Records

In this course we walk you through working with historical records and introduce you to many important resources for accessing and using these records.

My Family Tree

Students can construct their own family trees and record the first census year in which they and their family members would have been counted.

Fun Facts: Exploring the 1950 Census

The Census Bureau began use of the first nonmilitary computer after completing the 1950 enumeration. UNIVAC I (for Universal Automatic computer), the first of a series, weighed 16,000 pounds and used 5,000 vacuum tubes!

*Special Edition* 1950 Census Records Release

In this Special Edition FFF, we compare notable 1950 Census facts with the 2020 Census or other U.S. Census Bureau surveys and programs.

1950 Census Celebration Videos

Join a virtual celebration of the 1950 Census records release by watching remarks from the Archivist of the United States, the Director of the Census Bureau, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, and other distinguished individuals.