LibGuides: Using the Census Website: 1920

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Call Number: REF HA 202 .P76 2016
ISBN: 9781598887297
Publication Date: 2014-12-05

Census Fast Facts by Decade
Census Overview by Decade
Index of Questions, 1790-2000 The first censuses counted the population and provided information on population by county. In 1790, the census also categorized white males by age: those under age 16 and those age 16 and older. Over the years, Congress has authorized additional questions, enabling us to better understand the nation's inhabitants and their activities and needs. In fact, one of the nation's founders, James Madison, suggested that the census takers ask additional questions that would help lawmakers better understand the needs of the nation. For example, the 1810 Census also collected economic data (on the quantity and value of manufactured goods). In 1850, the census began collecting "social statistics" (information about taxes, education, crime, and value of estate, etc.) and mortality data. In 1940, additional questions were asked of a sample of the population, including questions on internal migration, veteran status, and the number of children ever born to women. These questions helped society understand the impact of the Great Depression. Through the decades, the census has collected data on race, ancestry, education, health, housing, and transportation. An examination of the questions asked during each census illustrates changes in our nation's understanding of race, the impact of immigration, growth of the Hispanic population, and computer usage. As a result of the census's evolution, the constitutionally mandated census has grown to provide important information about the U.S. population and its housing. Coupled with data from the economic and government censuses and demographic and economic surveys, the U.S. Census Bureau provides governments, scholars, planners, businesses, and individuals the data they need to build schools, plan highways, open businesses, and distribute the billions of dollars in federal spending that sustains a growing population.

1920 Census Information

Highlights:

14th Decennial Census.
U.S. Population: 105,710,620.
Cost: $25,117,000.

Questions:

The 1920 census questionnaire was similar, but slightly shorter, than its counterpart from 1910. "Place of abode" replaced "dwelling house" as the general term for a person's residence. There was no separate schedule for American Indians. Enumerators collected the following information from residents, organized by column:

Street of person's place of abode

Enumerators were to write the name of the street vertically in the column, so that they only had to write it once for all of the enumerated persons living on that street
House number or farm
Number of dwelling house in order of visitation by enumerator
Number of family in order of visitation by enumerator
Name
Relationship to head of family
Is the person's home owned or rented?
If owned, is it owned freely or mortgaged?
Sex
Color or race

Enumerators were to enter "W" for White, "B" for Black, "Mu" for mulatto, "Ch" for Chinese, "Jp" for Japanese, "In" for American Indian, or "Ot" for other races.
Age at last birthday
Single, married, widowed, or divorced?

Enumerators were to enter "S" for single, "Wd" for widowed, "D" for divorced, "M1" for married persons in their first marriage, and "M2" for those married persons in their second or subsequent marriage.
Year of immigration to the United States
Is the person naturalized or alien?
If naturalized, what was the year of naturalization?
Did the person attend school at any time since September 1, 1919?
Can the person read?
Can the person write?
Person's place of birth
Person's mother tongue
Person's father's place of birth
Person's father's mother tongue
Person's mother's place of birth
Person's mother's mother tongue
Can the person speak English?
Person's trade or profession
Industry, business, or establishment in which the person works
Is the person an employer, a salary or wage worker, or working on his own account?
If the person is a farmer, what is the farm's identification number on the corresponding farm schedule?

1920 Census Fast Facts
1920 Census Overview
Index of Questions, 1790-2000 The first censuses counted the population and provided information on population by county. In 1790, the census also categorized white males by age: those under age 16 and those age 16 and older. Over the years, Congress has authorized additional questions, enabling us to better understand the nation's inhabitants and their activities and needs. In fact, one of the nation's founders, James Madison, suggested that the census takers ask additional questions that would help lawmakers better understand the needs of the nation. For example, the 1810 Census also collected economic data (on the quantity and value of manufactured goods). In 1850, the census began collecting "social statistics" (information about taxes, education, crime, and value of estate, etc.) and mortality data. In 1940, additional questions were asked of a sample of the population, including questions on internal migration, veteran status, and the number of children ever born to women. These questions helped society understand the impact of the Great Depression. Through the decades, the census has collected data on race, ancestry, education, health, housing, and transportation. An examination of the questions asked during each census illustrates changes in our nation's understanding of race, the impact of immigration, growth of the Hispanic population, and computer usage. As a result of the census's evolution, the constitutionally mandated census has grown to provide important information about the U.S. population and its housing. Coupled with data from the economic and government censuses and demographic and economic surveys, the U.S. Census Bureau provides governments, scholars, planners, businesses, and individuals the data they need to build schools, plan highways, open businesses, and distribute the billions of dollars in federal spending that sustains a growing population.
Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses from 1790 to 2000
Population & Housing Items on the General Schedule of the Census, 1790-2000

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