This study analyzed the longitudinal trends of rural & urban suicides in Austria from 1970-2005. The decade, 1995-2005, was also investigated cross-sectionally in terms of age groups, gender, suicide methods, & family status. The ratio of rural to urban suicide rates continuously increased in both genders over the 35 years, indicating a growing risk in rural areas. Suicide methods used in rural & urban areas varied significantly & suicide rates among men, but not women, decreased with increasing urbanicity. Results suggest a need for rural-specific suicide prevention efforts, especially aimed at the male rural population. (33 refs.) JA