1950 US Census: Women of the Decades

The 1950 United States Census was the 17th census conducted in the United States. It was conducted on April 1, 1950. The census collected data on the population's age, sex, race, relationship to the head of household, home ownership status, and personal income. It also collected data on home values, number of rooms in a home, and the presence of certain amenities like running water and indoor toilets.

During the 1950s, women were still largely underrepresented in the workforce compared to men. The majority of women in the workforce were employed in low-paying jobs, such as secretarial or clerical work, or in traditional "women's occupations" such as nursing, teaching, and librarianship. According to the 1950 census, only 29% of women aged 16 and older were in the labor force, compared to 76% of men.

The census also provided detailed information about the country's workforce. It collected data on employment status, occupation, industry, and income. This information was used to determine the country's economic health and identify areas of unemployment and underemployment. The data collected in the 1950 census was used to apportion seats in the House of Representatives and redistrict voting boundaries. It was also used to plan public services and infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals.