TATTOOS: Here are some facts on tattoos from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

This year, there are an estimated 168 tattoo shops in rural Pennsylvania and 459 in urban parts of the state.

“The appearance of tattoos has increasingly grown throughout the years, making them more acceptable in society and the workplace. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, tattoos are seen as acceptable by 80 percent of the adult U.S. population. Seven percent of Americans view tattoos as less acceptable.

“How many people have tattoos? According to Pew, 32 percent of Americans have at least one tattoo, while 22 percent have more than one tattoo.

“Despite there being more tattoo shops in urban counties than in rural counties, the likelihood of getting a tattoo may be related to several other demographics like gender, race and ethnicity, age, education, income, religion, and sexual orientation.

“Pew found that those with an educational attainment of some college or less, are more likely to get a tattoo (37 percent) than those with a bachelor’s degree (24 percent) or postgraduate degree (21 percent). Their survey also concluded that 38 percent of women have at least one tattoo, compared to 27 percent of men.

“When the Pew Research Center conducted its survey, they also assessed why people got tattoos. Respondents could select multiple responses, and the results indicate that: 69 percent of Americans had either a major or minor reason, 47 percent wanted to make a statement of something they believe in, and 32 percent wanted to improve their appearance. However, it was also found that 24 percent of Americans regret getting one or more of their tattoos.”