The sample consists of over 4,000 residents of Washington State aged 55 and over. The hypothesis is not supported when fear is measured by a scale designed to tap general, pervasive anxiety about criminal victimization. According to the latter measure, fear is greatest among farmers and urban dwellers, with rural nonfarm and small town residents lower. Several sex differences in the relationship between residential location and fear of crime are also observed. The degree to which fear may be explained as a direct response to risk of and experience with crime also varies by sex and residence. Implications of these findings for research, theory, and policy are discussed. Four tables and about 30 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)