Perhaps then safety depends on personality styles. I much prefer to be on my own, and don't mind arranging for my own defense. The thought of depending on police for that function terrifies me, particularly after Supreme Court rulings that effectively state they have no duty to protect you.

I think perhaps the city is safer for people who solve things by reporting problems to authority, whereas country is safer for those who rely on themselves. If you live in rural areas and depend on police for anything other than helping get the word out and possibly picking up someone after the fact, you are just fucked.