Population changes in urban-rural populations can be seen in the following ways. First, the overall population of rural areas is decreasing due to population shifts to urban areas. This is especially evident in the U.S. where rural-urban migration has resulted in a decrease in the rural population and a corresponding increase in the urban population. Secondly, the gender makeup of rural and urban populations vary significantly. Generally, rural populations are more likely to be male-dominated than urban populations, which tend to be more evenly split between male and female. Finally, rural populations typically have older age distributions with a greater proportion of elderly people compared to urban populations.

In terms of gender distributions, both urban and rural populations have seen significant shifts over time. In the U.S., for instance, the gender gap has narrowed significantly over time as women have become more active and engaged in the workforce. This has resulted in more equal representation in both urban and rural areas.

In terms of age distributions, the elderly population has grown significantly in both urban and rural areas in the U.S. From 2000 to 2016, the number of individuals aged 65 and older increased from 35 million to 49 million in the U.S. This is largely due both to improved healthcare and longer lifespans, which have combined to increase the proportion of elderly people in the population.