Submissions are typically 8,000–10,000 words in the main text. A reasonable number of tables and /or figures must be used to present and illustrate findings. Tables for empirical results discussed but not shown in full in the main text must be included in supplementary materials, which would appear as an Online Supplement. Research Articles are required to be organized with the following five Level-1 headings: “Introduction,” “Background,” “Data and Methods,” “Results,” and “Discussion and Conclusion.”

Brief Reports (formerly Research Briefs) are original empirical studies that present (a) novel and time-sensitive findings, (b) new/updated information on basic demographic trends, and/or (c) county-specific snapshots of major demographic issues. Brief Reports are more applied in nature and do not include (and cloud not include) an extensive background or conceptual framework, but must demonstrate a compelling need for publication.

Research Reviews provide a comprehensive assessment of existing research on a specific topic of demographic importance. PRPR only considers systematic reviews (or rarely scoping reviews). Submissions must clearly define the rationale for and scope of the review, describe a systematic and rigorous approach to the analysis, summarize and synthesize key results/themes, and offer a thorough discussion of the theoretical, methodological, or analytic implications of the review.

Submissions should be no longer than 6,000 words in the main text and must include three tables/figures: a PRISMA-style flow diagram, a table listing each article in the review with key characteristics, and a table summarizing the key themes/findings. Research Reviews are required to be organized with the following four Level-1 headings: “Introduction and Background,” “Methods,” “Results,” and “Discussion and Conclusion.” They must include the type of review (e.g., “Systematic Review,” "Scoping Review") in the manuscript title.

Comment Articles are short agenda-setting pieces that address topical issues relevant to PRPR’s readership, fit within the journal’s aims and scope, and align with Editorial team priorities. Their primary purpose is to advance debate and offer original perspectives on emerging issues, policies, data and methods, and / or to offer future directions in the field of demography/population studies. These authoritative essays are grounded in the extant literature and may include limited and primarily descriptive data to advance their arguments, but do not contain extensive original research. Comment Articles are not intended as a response to articles published in PRPR. 

Submissions should be no longer than 3,000 words in the main text and are limited to no more than three tables and figures (combined). Supplementary materials are generally not permitted.  Comment Articles are to be organized into three (and only three) main sections: an introduction, a main argument, and a conclusion. They must include “Comment” in the manuscript title. The Editors-in-Chief will provide specific formatting and editorial directives.

Unlike other submissions PRPR accepts, Comment Articles are considered only by invitation—either directly or in response to proposals from prospective authors. Prospective authors must contact the Editors-in-Chief. Submissions that do not have pre-approval from the Editors-in-Chief will be desk rejected.