From 1920 until 1970, the workforce of the United States grew from approximately 27 million people to 79 million people. Despite this growth, the share of the workforce employed in agriculture fell, dropping from around 11 to 3.5 million people. In 1920, there were approximately three nonagricultural workers in the U.S. for every two agricultural workers; by 1970, this ratio had shifted to roughly 22 to one. Employment in nonagricultural sectors grew in most years, yet there were regular declines that coincided with recessions or war; the largest dip came during the Great Depression in the early-1930s. Agricultural employment peaked at 11.5 million in 1907, but went into decline thereafter, with the sharpest fall coming after the Second World War.
Annual average number of people employed in the agricultural and nonagricultural labor forces in the United States from 1900 to 1970
(in 1,000s)
*Break in series. Figures from 1900-1947 are given as "farm" and "nonfarm" employment, aged 14 years and over. Figures from 1948-1970 are given as "agricultural" and "nonagricultural" employment, aged 16 years and over.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
US Census Bureau. (December 27, 2007). Annual average number of people employed in the agricultural and nonagricultural labor forces in the United States from 1900 to 1970 (in 1,000s) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316855/us-farm-nonfarm-labor-force-historical/
US Census Bureau. "Annual average number of people employed in the agricultural and nonagricultural labor forces in the United States from 1900 to 1970 (in 1,000s)." Chart. December 27, 2007. Statista. Accessed October 10, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316855/us-farm-nonfarm-labor-force-historical/
US Census Bureau. (2007). Annual average number of people employed in the agricultural and nonagricultural labor forces in the United States from 1900 to 1970 (in 1,000s). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 10, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316855/us-farm-nonfarm-labor-force-historical/
US Census Bureau. "Annual Average Number of People Employed in The Agricultural and Nonagricultural Labor Forces in The United States from 1900 to 1970 (in 1,000s)." Statista, Statista Inc., 27 Dec 2007, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316855/us-farm-nonfarm-labor-force-historical/
US Census Bureau, Annual average number of people employed in the agricultural and nonagricultural labor forces in the United States from 1900 to 1970 (in 1,000s) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316855/us-farm-nonfarm-labor-force-historical/ (last visited October 10, 2024)
Annual average number of people employed in the agricultural and nonagricultural labor forces in the United States from 1900 to 1970 (in 1,000s) [Graph], US Census Bureau, December 27, 2007. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1316855/us-farm-nonfarm-labor-force-historical/