United States, Census, 1940

About the 1940 United States Census

The 1940 U.S. census was the 16th census of the United States. For historical and genealogical researchers, it gives a detailed picture of American life after the Great Depression and at the dawn of World War II.

Census takers began collecting information on 1 April 1940. They counted more than 132 million people living in:

• The 48 states.
• The District of Columbia.
• United States territories (Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, the Panama Canal Zone, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

What the Census Reveals About America in 1940

In 1940, the United States was beginning to recover from the Great Depression. This long economic crisis started with the stock market crash of 1929 and caused widespread job loss, poverty, and people moving in search of work. Even though conditions were improving, many families still struggled to find steady jobs and feel financially secure.

Recovery from the Great Depression

Because the economy was a major concern, the 1940 census asked detailed questions about jobs and income. It recorded:

• How much people earned in wages or salary in 1939.
• How many weeks they worked that year.
• Whether they were looking for work.
• Whether they took part in New Deal work programs, such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) or the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Mobility and Where Families Lived

The 1940 census asked where each person lived on 1 April 1935. This was the first time a United States census clearly tracked people moving within the country. From this information, you may see:

• Families moving to find work.
• Families and individuals leaving farms for cities.
• People moving to areas with defense-related jobs.

Education, Housing, and Economic Life

The 1940 census asked about education, including the highest grade each person completed. It also collected information about housing, such as whether families owned or rented their homes, how much rent they paid, and the value of their property. This information helps show how people were living and how financially stable they were.

These records can help you find:

• The level of education your ancestors reached.
• Signs that a family was struggling or beginning to recover financially.
• Multiple generations living together and sharing a home.

In addition, a small number of people answered extra questions about marriage, military service, and where their parents were born. These details are uncommon and can offer clues you may not find in other records.

A Nation on the Edge of War

Many Americans hoped the country would stay out of the war that had started in Europe the year before. Meanwhile, the federal government quietly increased military production, strengthened national defense, and offered limited support to Great Britain. Many families moved from rural areas to industrial hubs to take jobs in aircraft, shipbuilding, ammunition, and other defense-related manufacturing.

Questions in the 1940 Census

The 1940 census focused on the country’s recovery from the Great Depression. It asked questions about jobs, income, education, and where people lived before. These details help show what daily life was like, how families were organized, and how the effects of the 1930s economic crisis were still being felt.

Primary 1940 Census Questions

The 1940 census for asked detailed questions about all residents:

• Location
• Household data
• Name
• Relation
• Personal description
• Education
• Place of birth
• Citizenship
• Residence on 1 April 1935

Employment Status Questions

The 1940 census recorded whether people were working, unemployed, or looking for work during the week of 24–30 March 1940. It also noted whether they took part in New Deal work programs such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) or the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The census tracked hours worked, how many weeks people worked in 1939, and how long they had been unemployed.

The census also listed each person’s job, the type of industry they worked in, and the kind of worker they were. It recorded income earned in 1939 and whether people had income from other sources. For those not working, it noted reasons such as keeping house, attending school, or being unable to work.

Supplementary Questions

The 1940 census was the first to use sampling. About 5 percent of the population answered extra questions about the following:

• Birthplace of father and mother
• Native language
• Veteran or family military status
• Social Security details
• Occupation, industry, and worker class
• The marriage history of women and number of children

Accessing the 1940 United States Census

You can search and view the 1940 census for free on FamilySearch.org with a free account. Both the index and the original images are available.

The 1940 census is also on Ancestry, Findmypast, MyHeritage, and the National Archiveswebsite. These sites may require a subscription, but many public libraries and FamilySearch centers offer free access.