In this letter to the editor, Lester & Savlid extend a previous study of suicide in Swedish counties to homicide rates. Homicide rates were highest in the wealthiest & most populous counties. Results raise the possibility that the stress associated with wealth & population density have differing effects on men & women. It is speculated that stress may lead to more angry, assaultive &, in extreme cases, homicidal men, while leading to more depression &, in the extreme, suicidal behaviour in women. (2 refs.)