The best demographic predictor of homicide rate was the degree of urbanization, suggesting that highly urbanized countries tend to have lower homicide rates. The second best predictor is the proportion of young males in the population. Both density and total population also contributed to higher homicide rates. Sex ratio was not a significant factor in homicide rates; but infant mortality, used as an indicator of social inequality, was a significant predictor. Demographic variables alone were able to account for 52 percent of the variance in homicide rates across nations. Results suggest that, contrary to previous assumptions, social inequality, youth, and density are more significant factors in homicide rates than is urbanization. 21 references.