What is the oddest census question?

Answer 1

One of the oddest census questions historically asked was in the 1850 U.S. Census, which inquired about the number of "insane" individuals in a household. This question reflected the era's interest in mental health, but it seems unusual today due to its vague terminology and potential stigma. Other quirky questions have included inquiries about people's ability to read or write in specific languages or even asking about the presence of "unusual" occupations. Such questions often reveal societal attitudes and priorities of their time.