Livability Report
AsoLivability Score
Kumamoto·Pop. 22,927
Livability analysis of Aso, Kumamoto across 5 axes: safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy based on government open data.
Published 2026-03-26 · Data updated 2026-10-08
Where in Japan
Overall Score
* These scores are based on statistical analysis of public data and do not represent a definitive assessment of any area. Actual livability varies depending on individual values and lifestyle.
5-axis scores
Basic Information
Population
22,927
Prefecture
Kumamoto
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
This article's text predates the October 2026 data and scoring revision and is being rewritten.
Safety

Alex
How safe is Aso? A nature-rich area seems like it would be secure.

Yuki
What does the crime data show?
Kai
Aso's crime rate is 3.61 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 60.1 — quite favorable. This nature-rich town of about 57,000 people has strong community connections that contribute to its safety. Surrounded by Aso's magnificent caldera, it's a peaceful and reassuring place to live.

Cost of Living

Alex
How much does it cost to live in Aso? Rural areas should be affordable, right?

Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent figures?
Kai
Aso's average land price is 14,067 yen per square meter, and the average rent is 37,364 yen, with a cost score of 60.5. Housing costs are very affordable, making it easy to secure spacious living. The combination of Aso's rich natural environment with low living costs allows for a high quality of life. Local agricultural produce is also available at reasonable prices, helping keep food costs down.

Convenience

Alex
How convenient is daily life in Aso?

Yuki
Is a car essential for living there?
Kai
The public transit usage rate is 4.4%, with a convenience score of 45.7. A car is essential for daily transport. Retail density is 8.70 per 1,000 residents — well-stocked for its population size. Restaurant density is 3.17, with local establishments showcasing regional ingredients. Kumamoto City is about an hour away by car. Daily shopping can be handled locally, but larger purchases would require a trip to Kumamoto.

Welfare

Alex
How are healthcare and education in Aso? Small rural cities can be concerning.

Yuki
Are there enough hospitals and schools?
Kai
The welfare score is 50.0. Medical facility density is 8.94 per 10,000, with 8 hospitals and 43 clinics. The hospital density of 1.40 per 10,000 is notably strong — having 8 hospitals for 57,000 people is reassuring. The school count is 0.30 per 1,000 across 17 schools, enabling small-class, attentive education. Experiential learning leveraging Aso's natural environment is a unique local educational asset.

Economy

Alex
How's the economy in Aso? Is tourism the main driver?

Yuki
What do income and migration numbers show?
Kai
The economy score is 41.5. Taxable income per capita is about 2.72 million yen, with net outmigration of 126 people and a rate of -0.22%. Tourism centered on Mount Aso and agriculture form the economic pillars. Aso's caldera landscape is a globally significant natural asset, and demand for ecotourism and experiential tourism is growing. The area has also been attracting interest from remote workers considering relocation.

📊 Cities with Similar Scores
Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.89 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 10,700 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 32,554 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 2.1 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 267 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 11.65 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 161 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 7.02 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 96.1 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 10.03 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 4 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.75 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 19 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.29 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 9 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.393 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.066 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 2,766,436 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | -60 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | -0.26 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 22,927 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 112 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 7,529 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 4 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 136 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 23,860 | 2026 |
Data sources
| Indicator | Source | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 2025 Population CensusStatistics Bureau of Japan | 2025 | |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | Reported penal code offenses by municipalityKumamoto Prefectural Police | 2025 | Counted where offenses occur; per 1,000 uses the 2025 census population |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | Official land prices (National Land Numerical Information L01)Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism | 2026 | Residential sites only; simple average of sites |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 2023 Housing and Land SurveyStatistics Bureau of Japan | 2023 | Monthly rent of rented housing; next survey in 2028 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 2020 Population Census (means of commuting)Statistics Bureau of Japan | 2020 | To be updated when the 2025 census commuting tables are published |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 2021 Economic Census for Business ActivityMIC and METI | 2021 | Next survey in 2026 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 2021 Economic Census for Business ActivityMIC and METI | 2021 | Next survey in 2026 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | Survey of Medical Institutions (System of Social and Demographic Statistics)Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare | 2023 | Hospitals and clinics combined |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | School Basic Survey and habitable area (System of Social and Demographic Statistics)MEXT and Statistics Bureau of Japan | 2024 | Elementary, junior high and high schools per habitable km² |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | Survey on municipal tax assessmentMinistry of Internal Affairs and Communications | 2025 | Taxable income per taxpayer |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | Report on Internal MigrationStatistics Bureau of Japan | 2025 | |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | Census population ÷ resident register populationMinistry of Internal Affairs and Communications | 2025 | Resident register population as of January 1, 2026 |
Data years: mainly 2025 (2020–2026 by indicator)
Published 2026-03-26 · Data updated 2026-10-08