PINK: There’s a pink wave coming, says the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

What’s that mean? By the year 2050, the number of women in over half of the rural counties in the state is projected to be higher than the number of men.

The majority of these women would be over age 65, and the number of working-age women is anticipated to decline the fastest.

Conversely, the number of women of childbearing age — 15 to 44 — is expected to decline in urban counties and rise in rural counties. The general fertility rate is expected to follow suit.

“Historically, females and older adults have lower labor force participation rates. If those trends continue, these factors will likely exacerbate future workforce challenges for rural Pennsylvania,” the report noted.

Projections for 2050 call for higher numbers of females in Potter and Elk counties, while McKean and Cameron are expected to be male dominated, as they currently are.

Interestingly, all 19 urban counties in the state currently are female dominated. Projections call for Cumberland County to flip to male dominated by 2050.

”Current data has shown that the general fertility rate for the Commonwealth has been in decline for several decades and is expected to continue into the projection years,” the report continued. “At the same time, a comparably older populace will exacerbate demographic pressures in rural areas.”

With these projections, the Center for Rural PA is calling for changes to be made for women’s programs and services. Planners and policymakers should take note.

“…consideration should be given to the potential need for programs and services that affect the female population. For example, access to reproductive health care, maternity care, and child care,” the report noted.

That’s a lot to think about.