Livability Report
HakodateLivability Score
Hokkaido·Pop. 251,084
5-axis livability analysis of Hakodate City, Hokkaido, covering safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy based on government open data.
Published: Apr 2, 2026
Overall Score
55.5
57.9
52.2
49.8
44.1* 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 Score Breakdown
Safety55.5/100Cost57.9/100Convenience52.2/100Welfare49.8/100Economy44.1/100Basic Information
Population
251,084
Prefecture
Hokkaido
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
How safe is Hakodate? It's a popular tourist destination, so there must be lots of visitors.
Yuki
What are the specific crime rate numbers?
Kai
Hakodate's crime rate is 4.37 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 55.3. For a port city of about 251,000 people that attracts many tourists, this is a calm level. Since its opening as Japan's first international trade port in 1859, the city's exotic streetscape and strong community ties have fostered a safe living environment.
Cost of Living
Alex
What does it cost to live in Hakodate?
Yuki
Being a tourist destination, wouldn't rents be higher?
Kai
Hakodate's average land price is 51,167 yen per square meter, with average rent at 42,340 yen. The cost score is 56.7, which is quite affordable for Hokkaido's third-largest city. While tourist areas and residential zones differ in price, overall housing costs are moderate. The thriving fishing industry means fresh seafood is available at relatively low prices — a major perk.
Convenience
Alex
How's transportation? The Shinkansen reaches Hakodate now, right?
Yuki
What about getting around within the city?
Kai
Hakodate's public transit usage rate is 6.7%, with a convenience score of 50.9. The Hokkaido Shinkansen (via Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station) provides a direct link to Tokyo, and Hakodate Airport adds air access. Within the city, the streetcar system serves as a key mode of daily transport. There are 1,417 restaurants (5.64 per 1,000 people) and 2,174 retail shops (8.66 per 1,000), showing strong commercial density for a city of 251,000.
Welfare
Alex
What's the medical infrastructure like in Hakodate?
Yuki
How's the balance between hospitals and clinics?
Kai
Hakodate has 27 hospitals (1.08 per 10,000 residents) and 203 clinics (8.08 per 10,000), with a combined medical facility density of 9.16 per 10,000. The welfare score is 49.3, with a notably high hospital density. Schools number 62 at 0.25 per 1,000 residents, providing solid educational coverage. Despite the hilly terrain, medical facilities cluster along the streetcar routes.
Economy
Alex
How's Hakodate's economy? Can it survive on tourism alone?
Yuki
Is population decline a concern?
Kai
Hakodate's taxable income per capita is approximately 3.04 million yen, with an economy score of 44.8. Net migration is -530 (rate of -0.21%), showing a population outflow. Fishing and seafood processing are traditional strengths, alongside tourism. Mt. Hakodate's night view and Goryokaku attract visitors from Japan and abroad, though the outflow of younger residents remains a challenge. Hopes are pinned on the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension's economic impact.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 51,167 |
| avg_rent | 42,340 |
| Clinics | 203 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.08 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.37 |
| Hospitals | 27 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.08 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.16 |
| net_migration | -530 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.21 |
| Total Population | 251,084 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 6.7 |
| restaurant_count | 1,417 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 5.64 |
| retail_count | 2,174 |
| retail_per_1000 | 8.66 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 62 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.25 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,036,624 |
Data: 2024