Livability Report
KaruizawaLivability Score
Nagano·Pop. 19,188
5-axis livability scores for Karuizawa, Nagano based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Mar 23, 2026
Overall Score
58.6
49.7
64.9
56.2
75* 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
Safety58.6/100Cost49.7/100Convenience64.9/100Welfare56.2/100Economy75/100Basic Information
Population
19,188
Prefecture
Nagano
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
Karuizawa is known as a resort town. How safe is it?
Yuki
With so many tourists, does the crime data tell a different story?
Kai
Karuizawa's crime rate is 3.88 per 1,000 residents, yielding a safety score of 58.4. Despite seasonal population swings from tourism, the crime rate remains relatively low. The villa and resort environment maintains a tranquil living atmosphere, though minor incidents may tick up during peak tourist seasons when visitor numbers surge significantly.
Cost of Living
Alex
I'd expect Karuizawa to be quite expensive. What do the numbers say?
Yuki
A cost score of 50.0 seems moderate. Is it really that affordable?
Kai
Karuizawa's average land price is 81,531 yen per square meter, with a cost score of 50.0. While premium villa areas command much higher prices, the town-wide average is moderate. Average rent is 53,568 yen. Notably, the per capita taxable income is about 5 million yen, reflecting the affluent resident base. Costs vary greatly by area — prime locations like Old Karuizawa are premium, while other areas offer more reasonable options.
Convenience
Alex
A convenience score of 90.2 is remarkable! What drives this?
Yuki
That's incredibly high for a town of under 20,000 people.
Kai
Karuizawa's convenience score of 90.2 stems from exceptionally high per-capita commercial density. There are 276 restaurants (14.38 per 1,000 residents) and 506 retail stores (26.37 per 1,000). The tourism-driven commercial concentration benefits residents enormously. Facilities like Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza add to the retail richness. Public transit usage is low at 7.8%, but the comprehensive commercial environment makes daily life very convenient with a car.
Welfare
Alex
How does Karuizawa handle healthcare in a small town setting?
Yuki
Are there enough medical facilities for residents?
Kai
Karuizawa's welfare score is 55.5. The town has 1 hospital and 22 clinics, with a combined medical facility density of 11.99 per 10,000. For everyday healthcare needs, the clinic coverage is quite good. There are 4 schools with a ratio of 0.21 per 1,000 residents. For specialized medical care, residents typically access larger hospitals in nearby Saku City.
Economy
Alex
The economy score of 77.4 is strong. What's driving it?
Yuki
Is the population growing or declining?
Kai
Karuizawa's economy score of 77.4 reflects a per capita taxable income of about 5 million yen — very high by national standards. The net migration rate is positive at 0.98%, with 188 net newcomers. The rise of remote work has sustained Karuizawa's appeal as a relocation destination. Beyond tourism, the town attracts satellite offices for IT firms and cultural institutions, diversifying its economic base.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 81,531 |
| avg_rent | 53,568 |
| Clinics | 22 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 11.47 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 3.88 |
| Hospitals | 1 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.52 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 11.99 |
| net_migration | 188 |
| net_migration_rate | 0.98 |
| Total Population | 19,188 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 7.8 |
| restaurant_count | 276 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 14.38 |
| retail_count | 506 |
| retail_per_1000 | 26.37 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 4 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.21 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 5,003,616 |
Data: 2024