Livability Report
MatsuyamaLivability Score
Ehime·Pop. 511,192
5-axis livability scores for Matsuyama, Ehime based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Apr 7, 2026
Overall Score
49.7
52.5
45.7
50
48.3* 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
Safety49.7/100Cost52.5/100Convenience45.7/100Welfare50/100Economy48.3/100Basic Information
Population
511,192
Prefecture
Ehime
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
How safe is Matsuyama? The Dogo Onsen city has a calm image.
Yuki
As the largest city in Shikoku, what's the crime rate?
Kai
Matsuyama's crime rate is 5.27 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 49.6. For Shikoku's largest city of about 511,000 people, this is a calm level. Developed as a castle town around Matsuyama Castle, the city associated with literary figures Masaoka Shiki and Natsume Soseki maintains a cultured, relaxed atmosphere in its residential areas.
Cost of Living
Alex
What are the living costs like? The cost score is 52.6.
Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent figures?
Kai
Matsuyama's average land price is 132,205 yen per square meter, with average rent at about 44,824 yen. The cost score of 52.6 reflects that despite being Shikoku's largest city, rent stays in the affordable 40,000-yen range. The compact city concept concentrates commercial and cultural facilities downtown, enabling efficient daily living.
Convenience
Alex
A convenience score of 45.9. The city has a streetcar system, right?
Yuki
What about public transit usage and commercial options?
Kai
Matsuyama's public transit rate is 5.7%, giving a convenience score of 45.9. The Iyotetsu streetcar and bus network covers the city, while Matsuyama Airport offers domestic flights to Tokyo and Osaka. Retail density is 6.74 per 1,000 residents and restaurants at 4.39. The mandarin orange-producing region's food culture adds to daily convenience.
Welfare
Alex
The welfare score is 50.2. How are healthcare and education?
Yuki
What are the specific hospital and school numbers?
Kai
Matsuyama has a medical facility density of 10.21 per 10,000 residents, with 41 hospitals and 481 clinics. Ehime University Hospital provides advanced medical care. Schools number 92, or 0.18 per 1,000 residents, giving a welfare score of 50.2. The compact urban layout concentrates medical and educational facilities, which is a distinctive advantage.
Economy
Alex
How's the economy? Is it mainly mandarin farming and tourism?
Yuki
What about income levels and population movement?
Kai
Matsuyama's taxable income per capita is about 3.30 million yen, with an economy score of 48.5. The city has a diversified economy spanning mandarin orange agriculture, chemical fiber manufacturing, tourism, and IT services (call center concentration). Net migration shows a modest outflow of 640 people (-0.13%), with Dogo Onsen serving as a key tourism-driven economic pillar.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 132,205 |
| avg_rent | 44,824 |
| Clinics | 481 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 9.41 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 5.27 |
| Hospitals | 41 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.8 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 10.21 |
| net_migration | -640 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.13 |
| Total Population | 511,192 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 5.7 |
| restaurant_count | 2,245 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 4.39 |
| retail_count | 3,446 |
| retail_per_1000 | 6.74 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 92 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.18 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,303,517 |
Data: 2024