The purpose of this study was to assess human resources in rural areas across Poland and to prepare a proposal to increase their adaptability to labour market changes. An analysis of selected demographic characteristics was conducted using Local Data Bank data maintained by the Polish Central Statistical Office, and a composite index of demographic growth was determined using the Z. Hellwig method for 1571 rural and 602 mixed urban and rural areas classified as rural. It was concluded that there was a rather unfavourable level of demographic growth in assessed areas, in particular in peripheral areas and communes with the lowest population. In 2013, the demographic growth level of 66% assessed communes was below the average (set at 100). It is necessary for such areas to boost their economic growth in relation to demographic growth in order for beneficial quantitative and qualitative changes in demographic processes to become noticeable; therefore, it is important to take advantage of the cohesion policy.