On April 1, 2022, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) will make population records from the 1950 Census available to the public for the first time. We invite you to explore our site to see how America has changed since the 1950s.

The 1950 Census records release highlights the importance of responding to Census Bureau surveys and censuses. The Census Bureau serves as the nation’s benchmark in who we were as a nation. Through the 1950 Census records, we use compelling stories, infographics, and photos to compare the 1950 Census with corresponding information about the 2020 Census.

For more information on the release of NARA's 1950 Census records, visit their website:

NARA 1950 Census Records

1950 Census Historical Facts

Newsroom

Press Release

Census Bureau Director to Participate in Virtual 1950 Census Records Event

March 28, 2022

On April 1 at 10 a.m. EDT, Director Robert Santos will join the NARA for a virtual event celebrating the release of population records from the 1950 Census.

Press Kit

1950 Census Records Release Press Kit

January 27, 2022

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is scheduled to digitally release the 1950 Census population records on April 1, 2022.

Visualizations

Visualization

2020 Census Center of Population Data Visualization

This interactive visualization shows how the Center of Population for the nation has shifted since the first census in 1790.

Visualization

Historical Apportionment Data Map (Interactive)

This interactive tool enables users to view more than 10 decades of apportionment and population data.

Around the Census Bureau

Spotlight

1950 Census Records Toolkit & Artifact Hub

April 01, 2022

Spread the word about the 1950 Census records with our social media toolkit and explore 1950 Census artifacts.

U.S. Census Bureau History: The 1950 Census

With the release of the 1950 schedules, the public has an opportunity to use individual households' responses to the census to better understand the life of Americans on April 1, 1950.

Fact Sheet

The 1950 Census Records Release

February 23, 2022

72 years after a census, NARA releases census records to the public to use for research.

1950 Census Questionnaires

View an archive of the 1950 Census questionnaires.

1950 Census Photos

View historical Census Bureau photos of official events and operations.

America Counts

America Counts Story

Famous People Who First Appeared in 1950 Census Records

The National Archives today releases 1950 Census records. Some people who eventually gained fame made their first appearance in this decennial census.

America Counts Story

National Archives Releases 1950 Census Records

Decennial Census records are available to the public for free through the National Archives 72 years after each census is taken.

America Counts Story

1950 Census Records: A Window to History

Records for all people counted in the 1950 Census will be released by the National Archives and Records Administration April 1.

For Students

Fun Facts: Exploring the 1950 Census

Step back in time with this special edition Fun Facts for the 1950 Census. This handout offers a range of statistics about American life in the 1950s.

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.

Then and Now: A Look Back at the 1950 Census

Learn more about U.S. life in the 1950s with our “Then and Now” game comparing life then with life today.