1950 Census Abbreviations Free Download

As you review the 1950 census, you may find yourself wondering what certain abbreviations mean. You don’t want to skip over these, as they can reveal a lot about your ancestors’ education, employment, marital status, and more. Here’s a guide to help you interpret some of the most common abbreviations found in the 1950 census.

Q9: Race

Chi: Chinese
Fil: Filipino
Ind: American Indian
Jap: Japanese
Neg: Black
W: White

Q10: Sex

F: Female
M: Male

Q12: Marital Status

D: Divorced
Mar: Married
Nev: Never married (and/or under age 14) 
Sep: Separated(but not divorced)
Wd: Widowed

Q14: Naturalization Status 

AP: Child of American parents born abroad or at sea

Q15: Work Status in Past Week

H: Keeping house (i.e.,housework in one’s own home)
Ot: “Other,” including school attendance, temporary illness, or job vacation
U: Unable to work because of long-term illness or disability
Wk: Work for which you are paid or that supports a family business 

Q20c: Class of Worker 

G: Works for any branch of government, including civilian parts of the military
O: Works for own business, shop, etc.
NP: Works for no pay on a farm or business operated by another family member
P: Works for private employer

Q26: Highest School Level

C#: Year(s) of college/professional school completed (C1 for one year, C2 for two years, and soon)
S#: Grades of elementary/middle/high school completed (S1 for first grade, S2 for second, and so on through S12 for senior year of high school)

Get the 1950 Census Abbreviations List in PDF Format: