Description

SLWT reports the number of persons in the general population represented by each sample-line person in 1940 and 1950.

SLWT must be used in any analysis that relies on one of the "sample line" variables from the 1940 and 1950 censuses. Sample line variables can be identified by looking at the universe tab for the variable of interest. The use of SLWT is not necessary in analyses of 1940 and 1950 data that do not use any sample line variables.

The use of SLWT is particularly critical in the 1940 1% sample, because the sample-line records in that year are not representative. In the 1950 1% sample, sample line persons are a flat 1-in-330 sample of the population. In the full-count 1940 and 1950 databases, the sample-line records are a flat sample of the population.

In both 1940 and 1950, SLWT has a value of zero for non-sample-line persons.

An alternative to using SLWT is to use the SELFWTSL variable to select an un-weighted represented subset of sample line cases.

For a further explanation of sample weights, see "Sample Line Characteristics in 1940 and 1950" and "Sample Weights".

SLWT is a 6-digit numeric variable which indicates the number of persons in the general population represented by each sample-line person in the 1940 and 1950 Census and must be used in any analysis that relies on one of the "sample line" variables from these censuses. Similar to PERWT, SLWT has two implied decimals. For example, a SLWT value of 010461 should be interpreted as 104.61. SLWT specific variable codes for missing, edited, or unidentified observations, observations not applicable (N/A), observations not in universe (NIU), top and bottom value coding, etc. are provided below if applicable by Census year (and data sample if specified).

Comparability

SLWT works identically for 1940 and 1950. For years in which there is no sample-line record, SLWT takes the same value as person weight, PERWT.

Note that some 1950 questions were asked of only 1 in 6 sample line persons (1 in 30 of the full population). The related variables are identified in their universe statements.

Universe

Availability

• 2022: All samples
• 2021: All samples
• 2020: All samples
• 2019: All samples
• 2018: All samples
• 2017: All samples
• 2016: All samples
• 2015: All samples
• 2014: All samples
• 2013: All samples
• 2012: All samples
• 2011: All samples
• 2010: All samples
• 2009: All samples
• 2008: All samples
• 2007: All samples
• 2006: All samples
• 2005: All samples
• 2004: All samples
• 2003: All samples
• 2002: All samples
• 2001: All samples
• 2000: All samples
• 1990: All samples
• 1980: All samples
• 1970: All samples
• 1960: All samples
• 1950: All samples
• 1940: All samples
• 1930: All samples
• 1920: All samples
• 1910: All samples
• 1900: All samples
• 1880: All samples
• 1870: All samples
• 1860: All samples
• 1850: All samples

• 2022: All samples
• 2021: All samples
• 2020: All samples
• 2019: All samples
• 2018: All samples
• 2017: All samples
• 2016: All samples
• 2015: All samples
• 2014: All samples
• 2013: All samples
• 2012: All samples
• 2011: All samples
• 2010: All samples
• 2009: All samples
• 2008: All samples
• 2007: All samples
• 2006: All samples
• 2005: All samples
• 2000: All samples
• 1990: All samples
• 1980: All samples
• 1970: All samples
• 1930: All samples
• 1920: All samples
• 1910: All samples

Flags

Editing Procedure

There is no editing procedure available for this variable.