Data from the 1980, 1970, and 1960 censuses were used to describe Pennsylvania's rural women and to compare them with urban women and, in some instances, men. In Pennsylvania in 1980, just 1 rural woman in 25 lived on a farm. These women were more educated, more active in the labor force, and somewhat better paid than their counterparts in 1960 and 1970. They married later, had fewer children, and were more likely to experience divorce. Compared to urban women, rural women had less education, lower incomes, and higher fertility rates. However, rural families headed by women fared better than woman-headed urban families. Gender differences overshadowed many of the differences between rural and urban women. Pennsylvania's women were clearly disadvantaged relative to men, particularly in terms of education, employment, and income. Designed to provide basic information necessary for the development and evaluation of public policies and programs, this report presents detailed information about residence, race, age, education, labor force activity, income, marital status, fertility, and household and family patterns. One section is devoted to the status of elderly rural women. Maps, charts, and data tables are included. (JHZ)