1970 United States Census facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nineteenth Censusof the United States |
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U.S. Census Bureau Seal
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| General Information | |
| Date Taken | April 1, 1970 |
| Total U.S. Population | 203,392,031 |
| Percent Change |  13.4% |
| Most Populous State | California 19,953,134 |
| Least Populous State | Alaska 302,173 |
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The Nineteenth United States Census was a big count of everyone living in the United States. It was done by the Census Bureau. On April 1, 1970, the total number of people in the U.S. was 203,392,031. This was a lot more people than before! The population had grown by 13.4 percent since the 1960 Census.
Contents
What is the U.S. Census?
The U.S. Census is like a giant survey that happens every ten years. Its main job is to count every person living in the United States. This includes citizens, non-citizens, and even temporary residents. The Census Bureau collects information about where people live and how many people are in each household.
Why is the Census Important?
Counting everyone is super important for many reasons. First, it helps decide how many representatives each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives. This makes sure that every state has a fair say in government.
Second, the census helps leaders understand where people live and what they need. This information is used to decide where to build new schools, hospitals, roads, and other important services. It also helps local communities get money for things like fire departments and parks.
Third, businesses use census data to decide where to open new stores or factories. This can create new jobs and help local economies grow. The census helps everyone, from lawmakers to business owners, make smart choices for the country.
The 1970 Census in Detail
The 1970 Census was a big project. It aimed to count over 200 million people across all 50 states. The Census Bureau used new methods to make the count more accurate and efficient.
How the 1970 Census Was Done
For the first time, most people received their census forms in the mail. They filled out the forms and mailed them back. This was a big change from earlier censuses, where census takers visited every home. If someone didn't mail back their form, a census taker would then visit their home to collect the information.
This new mail-out, mail-back system helped save time and money. It also made it easier for people to participate. The forms asked questions about age, gender, race, and how many people lived in each home.
Key Findings of the 1970 Census
The 1970 Census showed that the U.S. population was growing steadily. California was the state with the most people, having almost 20 million residents. Alaska, on the other hand, was the least populated state, with just over 300,000 people.
The census also showed shifts in where people were living. Many people were moving from cities to suburbs. This information helped urban planners and government officials prepare for these changes. It also highlighted the need for new infrastructure in growing areas.
Impact of the 1970 Census
The data collected in 1970 had a lasting impact on the United States. It influenced how government funds were distributed for the next ten years. It also helped shape policies related to housing, education, and healthcare.
The census results helped researchers understand social trends. For example, they could see changes in family sizes and how different groups of people were distributed across the country. This information is still valuable for historians and social scientists today.
