Livability Report
KumamotoLivability Score
Kumamoto·Pop. 730,882
5-axis livability scores for Kumamoto, Kumamoto based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, transport, education, and healthcare.
Published 2026-03-07 · Data updated 2026-10-08
Where in Japan
Overall Score
49.7
50.2
50.1
55.2
49.8* 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
Safety49.7Cost50.2Convenience50.1Welfare55.2Economy49.8Basic Information
Population
730,882
Prefecture
Kumamoto
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
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 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 5.64 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 82,690 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 49,091 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 8.2 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 5,437 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 7.44 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 3,249 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 4.45 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 100.3 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 10.19 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 91 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.25 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 654 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.95 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 173 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.237 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.529 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 3,537,077 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | -336 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | -0.05 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 730,882 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 4,125 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 7,529 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 4 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 327 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 728,700 | 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 municipalityKumamoto 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 2026-03-07 · Data updated 2026-10-08