Livability Report
KumamotoLivability Score
Kumamoto·Pop. 738,865
5-axis livability scores for Kumamoto, Kumamoto based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, transport, education, and healthcare.
Published: Mar 7, 2026·Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Overall Score
* 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
Basic Information
Population
738,865
Prefecture
Kumamoto
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety

Alex
A safety score of 83.9 is really high! Just how safe is it?

Yuki
I'd love to see the specific crime rate numbers. Does it feel safe in daily life?
Kai
Kumamoto's crime rate is 3.61 per 1,000 residents, yielding a safety score of 83.9. Staying below 4 incidents per thousand is a very safe level. The calm living environment characteristic of regional cities, combined with strong community ties, contributes to this excellent safety record. Residents can feel comfortable even during nighttime hours.

Cost of Living

Alex
A cost score of 88.6 is impressively high. What does the land price data look like?

Yuki
Regional cities are supposed to be affordable — give us the actual numbers.
Kai
Kumamoto's average land price is 158,541 yen per square meter, earning a cost score of 88.6. For a designated city, this represents a highly affordable price level, making it easy to keep housing costs low. Even the central Torichosuji area remains reasonably priced, and suburban areas offer even more affordable residential land. The low cost of living is one of Kumamoto's major attractions.

Convenience

Alex
The transport score of 11.7 is quite low. What's the actual transportation situation?

Yuki
A low public transit usage rate means it's car-dependent, right?
Kai
Kumamoto's public transit usage rate is 8.2%, with a transport score of 11.7. The city has the Kumamoto City Tram (streetcar) and bus routes, but private cars are the primary mode of daily transportation. The tram is convenient for getting around the city center, and the Shinkansen connects Kumamoto Station to Hakata in about 40 minutes for intercity travel. Anyone considering relocating should factor in a car-dependent lifestyle.

Welfare

Alex
An education score of 60.0 is solid. How well-equipped are the schools?

Yuki
What's the school density per capita? Is it easy for kids to commute?
Kai
Kumamoto has 145 schools at a density of 0.20 per 1,000 residents, giving an education score of 60.0. Schools are generously distributed for a population of 740,000, meaning relatively short commuting distances for students. Higher education institutions including Kumamoto University are well-established, providing a strong overall educational environment.

Economy

Alex
The healthcare score of 33.9 is on the lower side. Are hospitals well-equipped?

Yuki
I'd like to know the numbers for both hospitals and clinics.
Kai
Kumamoto has 91 hospitals (1.23 per 10,000 residents) and 654 clinics (8.85 per 10,000), totaling 10.08 medical facilities per 10,000 people. While the healthcare score is 33.9, the hospital density of 1.23 is quite strong, providing good access to inpatient care. Advanced facilities including Kumamoto University Hospital ensure comprehensive medical coverage, and Kumamoto serves as a healthcare hub for the broader Kyushu region.

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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 158,541 |
| avg_rent | 46,287 |
| Clinics | 654 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.85 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 3.61 |
| Hospitals | 91 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.23 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 10.08 |
| net_migration | 1,345 |
| net_migration_rate | 0.18 |
| Total Population | 738,865 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 8.2 |
| restaurant_count | 3,249 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 4.4 |
| retail_count | 5,437 |
| retail_per_1000 | 7.36 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 145 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.2 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,384,201 |
Data: 2024