A new forecast from University of Pittsburgh economist Chris Briem estimates the eight-county region could have about a quarter-million fewer residents by 2050 compared to 2020. The Pittsburgh Business Times reports the biggest factor is an aging population, with deaths expected to outnumber births. Briem stresses this is a forecast, not a prediction, and says a shrinking population doesn't necessarily mean a region is struggling. The study also projects an older workforce, with workers 65 and older expected to increase by about 30-percent.
