Population Change Over Time - State Census Data Activity

Oct 12, 2026

Uploaded by Connor

Population Change Over Time activity guides learners to compare state populations across 1890, 1950, and 2010. Students record data for their own state and another state using a provided state population table, then graph the census results. They analyze growth patterns since 1890, explain reasons for differences, and make a prediction about how the population will change in the 2020 Census. The extension prompts families to discuss how census responses and accurate counting affect government funding for community resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Record and graph census data

Fill in the state population table

Graph the census data

Analyze growth and predict future change

Compare growth since 1890 for both states

Predict change in the 2020 Census

Link the prediction to resources funding

Consider census accuracy and community impact

Discuss what happens if people don’t answer or aren’t counted

Home extension: share with an adult

Name Featured Activity: Population Change Over Time 1. Record the data for your state and another state, using Activity Item 2: State Population Data Table. | Data Category | In 1890 … | In 1950 … | In 2010 … | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | My state’s population | | | | | | | | | | (state’s) population | | | | 2. Graph your census data! D-WS-ST-EN-180 3. Did your state grow a lot (double or more) or just a little since 1890? What about the other state? Why do you think that is? 4. Do you think the population of your state will increase or decrease in the 2020 Census? 5. Using your prediction from Question \#4, how will this likely change the resources your state receives? 6. Based on what you learned today, what would happen if people didn’t answer census questions or didn’t count everyone in their home accurately? Home Extension Take your student worksheet home and share it with an adult in your home. Share with them why you think your state’s population will increase or decrease based on the data you reviewed in class. Then tell them how that change in population might affect government funding that benefits your community. [census.gov/schools](census.gov/schools) D-WS-ST-EN-180 Activity Item 2: State Population Data Table | State Name | 1890 Population | 1950 Population | 2010 Population | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Alabama | 1,513,401 | 3,061,743 | 4,779,736 | | Alaska | 32,052 | 128,643 | 710,231 | | Arizona | 88,243 | 749,587 | 6,392,017 | | Arkansas | 1,128,211 | 1,909,511 | 2,915,918 | | California | 1,213,398 | 10,586,223 | 37,253,956 | | Colorado | 413,249 | 1,325,089 | 5,029,196 | | Connecticut | 746,258 | 2,007,280 | 3,574,097 | | Delaware | 168,493 | 318,085 | 897,934 | | District of Columbia | 230,392 | 802,178 | 601,723 | | Florida | 391,422 | 2,771,305 | 18,801,310 | | Georgia | 1,837,353 | 3,444,578 | 9,687,653 | | Hawaii | N/A | 499,794 | 1,360,301 | | Idaho | 88,548 | 588,637 | 1,567,582 | | Illinois | 3,826,352 | 8,712,176 | 12,830,632 | | Indiana | 2,192,404 | 3,934,224 | 6,483,802 | | Iowa | 1,912,297 | 2,621,073 | 3,046,355 | | Kansas | 1,428,108 | 1,905,299 | 2,853,118 | | Kentucky | 1,858,635 | 2,944,806 | 4,339,367 | | Louisiana | 1,118,588 | 2,683,516 | 4,533,372 | | Maine | 661,086 | 913,774 | 1,328,361 | | Maryland | 1,042,390 | 2,343,001 | 5,773,552 | | Massachusetts | 2,238,947 | 4,690,514 | 6,547,629 | | Michigan | 2,093,890 | 6,371,766 | 9,883,640 | | Minnesota | 1,310,283 | 2,982,483 | 5,303,925 | | Mississippi | 1,289,600 | 2,178,914 | 2,967,297 | | Missouri | 2,679,185 | 3,954,653 | 5,988,927 | | Montana | 142,924 | 591,024 | 989,415 | | Nebraska | 1,062,656 | 1,325,510 | 1,826,341 | | Nevada | 47,355 | 160,083 | 2,700,551 | | New Hampshire | 376,530 | 533,242 | 1,316,470 | | New Jersey | 1,444,933 | 4,835,329 | 8,791,894 | | New Mexico | 160,282 | 681,187 | 2,059,179 | [census.gov/schools](census.gov/schools) D-WS-ST-EN-180 Activity Item 2: State Population Data Table (Cont.) | State Name | 1890 Population | 1950 Population | 2010 Population | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | New York | 6,003,174 | 14,830,192 | 19,378,102 | | North Carolina | 1,617,949 | 4,061,929 | 9,535,483 | | North Dakota | 190,983 | 619,636 | 672,591 | | Ohio | 3,672,329 | 7,946,627 | 11,536,504 | | Oklahoma | 258,657 | 2,233,351 | 3,751,351 | | Oregon | 317,704 | 1,521,341 | 3,831,074 | | Pennsylvania | 5,258,113 | 10,498,012 | 12,702,379 | | Rhode Island | 345,506 | 791,896 | 1,052,567 | | South Carolina | 1,151,149 | 2,117,027 | 4,625,364 | | South Dakota | 348,600 | 652,740 | 814,180 | | Tennessee | 1,767,518 | 3,291,718 | 6,346,105 | | Texas | 2,235,527 | 7,711,194 | 25,145,561 | | Utah | 210,779 | 688,862 | 2,763,885 | | Vermont | 332,422 | 377,747 | 625,741 | | Virginia | 1,655,980 | 3,318,680 | 8,001,024 | | Washington | 357,232 | 2,378,963 | 6,724,540 | | West Virginia | 762,794 | 2,005,552 | 1,852,994 | | Wisconsin | 1,693,330 | 3,434,575 | 5,686,986 | | Wyoming |

FAQs

What data must students record for their state and another state?

Students record population figures for their state and another state in 1890, 1950, and 2010 using the provided State Population Data Table.

What should students do after recording the data?

Students graph their census data to visualize changes over time.

How does the activity connect census results to government funding?

Students predict how their state’s population will change in the 2020 Census, then explain how that likely change would affect the resources and government funding their state receives. The extension also discusses the impact of not answering census questions or not being counted accurately.

Oct 12, 2026

Uploaded by Connor