Purpose: This study was conducted in order to investigate the incidence and associated factors of suicidal ideation among the elderly according to residence area. Methods: This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the 2011 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-2). A representative sample of 1,464 men and women aged 65 and over was selected. Rao-scott $X^2$-test, multiple logistic regression models based on sampling scheme of the data were used. Results: Of the 1,464 respondents, 22.4% had experienced suicidal ideation during the past year. Higher incidence of suicidal ideation was observed in rural seniors (23.7%) than in urban seniors (21.1%). The incidence of suicidal ideation showed correlation with age, education level, depression, stress, lying in a sick bed, and current smoking status among elderly living in urban areas. However, among elderly living in rural areas, the incidence of suicidal ideation showed correlation with household income, depression, stress, and daily activity. Conclusion: Based on the results, nurses should manage effective and individualized nursing interventions for elders in planning suicide prevention programs with consideration for residence areas, because there were differences in the factors affecting suicidal ideation among elders according to residence area.