Livability Report
MatsueLivability Score
Shimane·Pop. 203,616
5-axis livability scores for Matsue, Shimane based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Mar 9, 2026·Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Overall Score
64.2
56.3
47.9
56.1
45* 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
Safety64.2/100Cost56.3/100Convenience47.9/100Welfare56.1/100Economy45/100Basic Information
Population
203,616
Prefecture
Shimane
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
How safe is Matsue? Castle towns tend to have a peaceful image.
Yuki
What does the crime rate data specifically show?
Kai
Matsue's crime rate is 3.01 per 1,000 residents, with a strong safety score of 63.9. The 'City of Water,' nestled between Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi, maintains a tranquil living environment. As a core city of about 204,000 people, the historic castle town atmosphere centered on Matsue Castle supports a peaceful way of life.
Cost of Living
Alex
What are the living costs like? It seems affordable as a regional city.
Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent figures?
Kai
Matsue's average land price is 59,104 yen per square meter, with average rent at about 44,271 yen. The cost score of 55.5 indicates affordable living for a prefectural capital. Local food resources like Lake Shinji's shijimi clams and Sea of Japan seafood offer excellent cost-performance for daily meals.
Convenience
Alex
A convenience score of 47.5. How's the transportation access?
Yuki
What about public transit usage and shopping options?
Kai
Matsue's public transit rate is 3.8%, giving a convenience score of 47.5. The JR San'in Main Line and Ichibata Electric Railway provide rail access, with shuttle buses from Izumo Airport and Yonago Airport. Retail density is 8.12 per 1,000 residents and restaurants at 4.53, showing solid commercial coverage. Municipal bus services also provide organized public transportation.
Welfare
Alex
The welfare score of 55.0 is quite good. Is healthcare well-developed?
Yuki
Can you share the hospital and school numbers?
Kai
Matsue has a medical facility density of 11.54 per 10,000 residents, with 11 hospitals and 224 clinics. The clinic density of 11.0 per 10,000 is particularly high, ensuring excellent primary care access. Schools total 49, or 0.24 per 1,000 residents, giving a welfare score of 55.0. As a core city, administrative services are comprehensive, including municipal gas utilities.
Economy
Alex
What do the economic indicators show for this San'in region hub?
Yuki
What about income levels and population trends?
Kai
Matsue's taxable income per capita is about 3.12 million yen, with an economy score of 45.7. As the central city of the San'in region, a branch-office economy dominates, with agriculture including medicinal ginseng and peonies also thriving. Net migration shows an outflow of 452 people (-0.22%), but the city is leveraging tourism assets associated with Lafcadio Hearn to drive urban development.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 59,104 |
| avg_rent | 44,271 |
| Clinics | 224 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 11 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 3.01 |
| Hospitals | 11 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.54 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 11.54 |
| net_migration | -452 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.22 |
| Total Population | 203,616 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 3.8 |
| restaurant_count | 922 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 4.53 |
| retail_count | 1,654 |
| retail_per_1000 | 8.12 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 49 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.24 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,122,637 |
Data: 2024