1940 United States Census facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sixteenth Censusof the United States |
|
|---|---|
U.S. Census Bureau Seal
|
|
Population Schedule
|
|
| General information | |
| Country | United States |
| Date taken | April 1, 1940 |
| Total population | 132,164,569 |
| Percent change |  7.3% |
| Most populous state | New York 13,479,142 |
| Least populous state | Nevada 110,247 |
The Sixteenth United States Census was a big count of all the people living in the United States. It was done by the Census Bureau, a part of the U.S. government. This census happened on April 1, 1940. It found that there were 132,164,569 people in the country. This was about 7.3 percent more people than in the 1930 census.
Contents
What is a Census?
A census is like a giant survey that counts everyone in a country. Governments do this to learn how many people live in different areas. This information helps them make important decisions. For example, they use it to decide where to build schools, hospitals, or roads. It also helps them understand how the population is changing over time.
The 1940 Census: A Look at America
The 1940 census was important because it happened after the Great Depression. This was a very tough time when many people lost their jobs and homes. The census helped the government understand how these events had changed people's lives. It gave a clear picture of the country at that moment.
What Did They Ask?
The people collecting the census asked some new questions in 1940. They wanted to know where people lived five years earlier, in 1935. This helped them see how many people had moved around the country. They also asked about the highest level of education someone had finished. Plus, they collected information about people's wages and how much money they earned.
How Many People Were There?
The 1940 census counted 132,164,569 people living in the United States. This was a good increase from the previous census. It showed that the country was still growing, even after a difficult economic period.
Top and Bottom States
The state with the most people in 1940 was New York. It had 13,479,142 residents. On the other hand, the state with the fewest people was Nevada. Only 110,247 people lived there at the time.
Images for kids
-
1940 U.S. census poster
-
A map showing the population change of each US State by percentage.
See also
In Spanish: Censo de los Estados Unidos de 1940 para niños
