Rural areas tend to have more risk factors -- social isolation; elderly population; poor population; access to means and methods (In England farmers have access to shotguns; vets have access to meds); etc.

Risk of suicide in rural areas tends to be higher even if the total numbers are smaller.

http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/california-cause-of-death...

That site has some nice data to noodle around with.