Census: 1930 California

For the first time, more Californians lived in cities than in rural areas.

In 1930, a modest bungalow in Los Angeles was valued around $5,000, while monthly rent averaged $25–$40. 1930 California Census

Despite urbanization, California remained an agrarian titan, dominated by citrus, grapes, and walnuts. For the first time, more Californians lived in

Signal Hill and Huntington Beach records show thousands of "Roughnecks" and engineers flocking to the oil fields. Signal Hill and Huntington Beach records show thousands

For genealogists and historians, the 1930 Census is the "Bridge to the Modern Era." It is the last census available before the Dust Bowl migrations of the mid-1930s forever changed the state's social fabric. It captures the pioneers of the silent film era, the builders of the Golden Gate Bridge (which began shortly after), and the last generation born before the age of television.