Livability Report
KawagoeLivability Score
Saitama·Pop. 354,571
5-axis livability scores for Kawagoe, Saitama based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Mar 22, 2026
Overall Score
40
43.8
45
39.8
58.9* 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
Safety40/100Cost43.8/100Convenience45/100Welfare39.8/100Economy58.9/100Basic Information
Population
354,571
Prefecture
Saitama
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
Kawagoe attracts many tourists with its 'Little Edo' charm. How safe is it?
Yuki
The historic warehouse district draws crowds. Is the crime rate high?
Kai
Kawagoe's crime rate is 6.77 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 40.1. This city of about 355,000 welcomes roughly 7.75 million tourists annually. While the historic district is bustling, residential areas remain calm. The preserved streetscapes — spared from war and earthquake damage — foster strong community attachment among residents.
Cost of Living
Alex
What are land prices like? Good Tokyo access might push them up.
Yuki
How's the cost-performance as a Tokyo commuter base?
Kai
Kawagoe's average land price is 181,411 yen per square meter, with a cost score of 45.5. Average rent is 55,460 yen. Given direct train access to central Tokyo via the Tobu Tojo and JR Kawagoe lines, this represents balanced value. Per capita taxable income is about 3.57 million yen, a standard level for the Greater Tokyo commuter belt.
Convenience
Alex
Being a tourist destination, shops must be plentiful.
Yuki
How's the train access? There are multiple lines, right?
Kai
Kawagoe's convenience score is 46.2. Public transit usage is 27.5%, with three rail lines — JR Kawagoe, Tobu Tojo, and Seibu Shinjuku — providing direct city center access. There are 1,105 restaurants (3.12 per 1,000) and 1,905 retail stores (5.37 per 1,000). Between the historic warehouse streets and station-area commercial facilities, shopping options are well-rounded.
Welfare
Alex
Are there enough medical facilities?
Yuki
What about the education environment for families?
Kai
Kawagoe's welfare score is 41.4. It has 24 hospitals (0.68 per 10,000) and 216 clinics (6.09 per 10,000), with a combined density of 6.77. The relatively high hospital count is notable. Schools total 59, at 0.17 per 1,000 residents. The city's identity as an educational and cultural center supports a solid child-rearing environment.
Economy
Alex
How's Kawagoe's economy beyond tourism?
Yuki
What's the population trend?
Kai
Kawagoe's economy score is 56.9, with per capita taxable income of about 3.57 million yen. Net migration is positive at 0.42%, adding 1,506 residents annually. Beyond tourism, the Kawagoe Station area has developed strong suburban commercial activity. The city is famous for sweet potato production, supporting food-related industries. Continued population growth reflects the appeal of good Tokyo access combined with rich historical culture.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 181,411 |
| avg_rent | 55,460 |
| Clinics | 216 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 6.09 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 6.77 |
| Hospitals | 24 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.68 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 6.77 |
| net_migration | 1,506 |
| net_migration_rate | 0.42 |
| Total Population | 354,571 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 27.5 |
| restaurant_count | 1,105 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 3.12 |
| retail_count | 1,905 |
| retail_per_1000 | 5.37 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 59 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.17 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,567,518 |
Data: 2024