New research is suggesting that we might have more people on Earth than the current count of 8.2 billion, with hints that by 2080, there could be over 10 billion of us. According to some analysts, we may already be edging closer to this projection ahead of schedule.

The revelation arises from a fresh approach to calculating those living in the countryside, revealing potential underreporting of rural inhabitants. Finnish researchers at Aalto University uncovered startling gaps, showing that traditional estimates might have omitted between 53 and 84 percent of rural populations from 1975 to 2010.

"This is remarkable, as countless studies have employed these datasets without questioning their accuracy in the rural domain," noted the study authors.

Because of challenges like reaching far-flung communities, language hurdles, and census complications, getting exact numbers in the country is notoriously tough.

Going beyond standard methods, the study analysed data from over 300 dam projects in 35 countries, including heavyweights like China and Brazil. The researchers based their population figures on the reported numbers of relocated individuals due to these big projects, reasoning that relocation records are usually accurate given the compensation the displaced receive from dam constructors, reports Manchester Evening News.

The research has revealed that even the most recent data still overlooks a significant portion of the rural population, indicating that these individuals are being significantly underestimated.

Dr Josias Láng-Ritter, the lead author of the study, stated: "While our study shows accuracy has somewhat improved over decades, the trend is clear: global population datasets miss a significant portion of the rural population."

The study doesn't provide a new global count, but it does assert that the rural population is "underestimated by half compared to reported figures".

Dr Josias Láng-Ritter told New Scientist: "We can say that nowadays, population estimates are likely conservative accounting, and we have reason to believe there are significantly more than these eight billion people."

The researchers argue that their findings will have "far-reaching consequences", suggesting that the revised estimates could influence how healthcare and transport resources are allocated to rural areas by policymakers.

The authors concluded in the study: "To ensure equitable access to services and resources for rural communities, past and future applications of the datasets must undergo a critical discussion in light of the identified biases.

"Improvements in the datasets' accuracies in rural areas can be attained through strengthened population censuses, alternative population counts, and a more balanced calibration of population models."

The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.