Because violent felonies such as homicide proximity is the requisite factor in victimhood. ie The victim must be located near the killer.
Given 1 homicide in 100k for 100sq miles called "rural" vs
1 homicide in 100k for 5 sq miles called "urban", your odds of being in proximity of a homicide are much higher in the urban area. 20 times more likely.
Given 1 homicide in 100k for 100sq miles called "rural" vs 1 homicide in 100k for 5 sq miles called "urban", your odds of being in proximity of a homicide are much higher in the urban area. 20 times more likely.