Livability Report
HakodateLivability Score
Hokkaido·Pop. 230,309
5-axis livability analysis of Hakodate City, Hokkaido, covering safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy based on government open data.
Published 2026-04-02 · Data updated 2026-10-08
Where in Japan
Overall Score
51.6
57.4
56.0
54.9
43.7* 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
Safety51.6Cost57.4Convenience56.0Welfare54.9Economy43.7Basic Information
Population
230,309
Prefecture
Hokkaido
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 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 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 5.34 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 39,268 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 43,954 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 6.7 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 2,174 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 9.44 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 1,417 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 6.15 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 98.9 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.73 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 27 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.17 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 197 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.55 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 76 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.330 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.619 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 3,139,891 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | -402 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | -0.18 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 230,309 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 1,229 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 24,150 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 5 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 123 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 232,760 | 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 municipalityHokkaido 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 2026-04-02 · Data updated 2026-10-08