What Was Life Like in 1930? The 1930 census offers greater insight and detail into American life in the early 20th century than virtually any other resource. And the census has just been released to the public after being sealed for 72 years (by law, individual records cannot be released to the public until 72 years after the census in which they were collected). The census records contain information on births, deaths, relationships, origins, residences, occupations, citizenship, and more. Test your knowledge of what life was like for your ancestors! 1. Today, life expectancy for those living in the United...