KitakyushuLivability Score

Kai

Kitakyushu's crime rate is 6.52 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 41.6. This designated city of about 939,000 has a multi-nucleus urban structure from the merger of five former cities. Kokura serves as the main urban center and Kurosaki as the sub-center. Residential areas are generally calm, and the city — which promotes itself as an environmental capital — maintains active community safety programs.

Kai

Kitakyushu's average land price is 89,887 yen per square meter, with a cost score of 54.8. For a designated city, land prices are quite affordable. Average rent is just 43,387 yen — very low for a major city. Per capita taxable income is about 3.35 million yen. Considering the low living costs alongside comprehensive urban amenities, Kitakyushu delivers excellent cost-performance.

Kai

Kitakyushu's convenience score is 50.8. Public transit usage is 18.0%. The Sanyo Shinkansen stops at Kokura Station, Kitakyushu Airport provides air access, and the Kanmon Bridge and Tunnel connect directly to Honshu. There are 4,713 restaurants (5.02 per 1,000) and 7,232 retail stores (7.70 per 1,000) — very strong commercial density. As Kyushu's gateway, the commercial concentration greatly benefits residents.

Kai

Kitakyushu's welfare score is 53.0, reflecting strong healthcare infrastructure. It has 90 hospitals (0.96 per 10,000) and 937 clinics (9.98 per 10,000), with a combined density of 10.94 per 10,000. The high hospital density is notable, providing good access to advanced care. Schools total 203, at 0.22 per 1,000 residents — a well-supported educational environment.

Kai

Kitakyushu's economy score is 48.2, with per capita taxable income of about 3.35 million yen. Net migration is -0.19%, losing 1,808 residents annually. The city is transitioning from heavy industry — rooted in the government Yawata Steel Works — toward services. Major corporate headquarters including TOTO, Yaskawa Electric, and Zenrin are based here. Environmental industries, leveraging the city's pollution-remediation experience, represent a growing sector.