- In 1950: In the United States, Billboard's #1 hit was Goodnight Irene by the Weavers.
- In 1950: The average income per year was $3,210 ($ 32,052 in 2016 dollars). A gallon of gas was 18 cents ($1.80 in 2016 dollars).
- In 1950: The average cost of new car was $1,510.00 ($ 15,077 in 2016 dollars).
- In 1950: Diner's Club began issuing the first credit cards.
- In 1950: Tom Petty, Stevie Wonder, and Jay Leno were born. Edna St. Vincent Millay, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and George Orwell died.
- In 1950: The first TV remote control, Zenith Radio's Lazy Bones, was marketed.
- In 1950: The Korean War began when North Korea invaded South Korea in June.
- In 1950: The British Labour party won the 1950 U.K. general election.
- In 1950: Walt Disney's Cinderella was the top money-making film.
King Solomon's Mines was a close second. - In 1950: There was no Miss America, because officials decided the reigning year should be the next year...
- ...The 1950 winner, Yolande Betbeze, was crowned "Miss America 1951."
- In 1950: Marion Donovan invented disposable diapers.
- In 1950: The Aladdin Company produced the first metal lunchbox featuring Hopalong Cassidy.
- In 1950: The most popular TV show was Texaco Star Theatre (NBC), followed by Fireside Theatre ( also NBC).
- In 1950: The Otis Elevator Company installed its first self-service elevator in Dallas, Texas.
