Livability Report
MinamiasoLivability Score
Kumamoto·Pop. 9,164
5-axis livability scores for Minamiaso, Kumamoto based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published 2026-03-17 · Data updated 2026-10-20
Where in Japan
Overall Score
69.9
—
53.6
45.8
42.9- ※ Cost is not scored because land price data is unavailable
- ※ Cost is not scored because rent data is unavailable
* 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
Safety69.9CostNot scoredConvenience53.6Welfare45.8Economy42.9Basic Information
Population
9,164
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
How safe is Minamiaso Village? It seems like a nature-rich area.
Yuki
What are the specific crime rate figures?
Kai
Minamiaso's crime rate is 3.61 per 1,000 residents, earning a strong safety score of 60.1. With a population of about 16,300, this small village surrounded by the magnificent Aso caldera landscape maintains a peaceful environment. Strong community bonds create a natural neighborhood watch function.
Cost of Living
Alex
A cost score of 68.6 is very high! Are living costs quite low?
Yuki
What are the specific rent levels?
Kai
Minamiaso's average rent is about 31,162 yen, giving a cost score of 68.6. Rent in the 30,000-yen range is remarkably affordable. Land price data has limited measurement points in the area, but the appeal lies in enjoying a spacious lifestyle amid rich natural surroundings.
Convenience
Alex
A convenience score of 42.3. Is there inconvenience in the mountainous area?
Yuki
What about shopping and dining options?
Kai
Minamiaso's public transit rate is 2.2%, with a convenience score of 42.3. A car is essential for daily life, but retail density is a surprisingly robust 7.97 per 1,000 residents. Restaurants at 2.09 include establishments catering to tourists enjoying Aso's natural landscapes. Infrastructure recovery from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake continues to progress steadily.
Welfare
Alex
The welfare score is 49.2. How's healthcare in a small village?
Yuki
What are the hospital and school numbers?
Kai
Minamiaso has a medical facility density of 7.36 per 10,000 residents, with 1 hospital and 11 clinics. For a small municipality, a baseline healthcare system is maintained. Schools number 7, or 0.43 per 1,000 residents, offering the personalized education typical of small-enrollment environments. The welfare score is 49.2.
Economy
Alex
How's the economy? Is it mainly agriculture and tourism?
Yuki
What about population trends?
Kai
Minamiaso's taxable income per capita is about 2.69 million yen, with an economy score of 54.0. Notably, net migration shows an inflow of 167 people (+1.02%), a significant rate relative to population size. This reflects growing interest from people relocating to enjoy Aso's natural environment. The local economy, built on agriculture and tourism, is functioning steadily.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 1.96 | 2025 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 2.8 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 101 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 11.02 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 72 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 7.86 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 92.6 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.82 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 1 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.09 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 8 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.73 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 4 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.436 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.079 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 2,829,928 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | -1 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | -0.01 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 9,164 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 18 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 7,529 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 4 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 51 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 9,895 | 2026 |
- ※ Cost is not scored because land price data is unavailable
- ※ Cost is not scored because rent data is unavailable
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 |
| 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 2026-03-17 · Data updated 2026-10-20