Livability Report
MinamiuonumaLivability Score
Niigata·Pop. 188,047
5-axis livability scores for Minamiuonuma, Niigata based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Apr 17, 2026
Overall Score
57.3
57.7
48.7
51.2
42.4* 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
Safety57.3/100Cost57.7/100Convenience48.7/100Welfare51.2/100Economy42.4/100Basic Information
Population
188,047
Prefecture
Niigata
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
How safe is Minamiuonuma? It's known for Koshihikari rice, right?
Yuki
What does the crime rate data show?
Kai
Minamiuonuma's crime rate is 4.08 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 57.1. As a regional city of about 188,000 people, it maintains a peaceful environment. The mutual-aid culture characteristic of heavy snowfall regions forms the foundation of safe community living.
Cost of Living
Alex
A cost score of 56.5 — are living costs on the lower side?
Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent figures?
Kai
Minamiuonuma's average land price is 23,531 yen per square meter, with average rent at about 44,878 yen. The cost score of 56.5 reflects very affordable land prices. Winter heating and snow removal costs should be factored in, but housing itself is economical. The culinary richness, led by Uonuma Koshihikari rice, is a major lifestyle attraction.
Convenience
Alex
A convenience score of 48.0. How does winter affect transportation?
Yuki
What about public transit and commercial facilities?
Kai
Minamiuonuma's public transit rate is 3.0%, giving a convenience score of 48.0. Urasa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen provides access to Tokyo. Retail density is a strong 8.78 per 1,000 residents, with restaurants at 4.44. The many ski resorts boost commercial activity during winter through tourism demand.
Welfare
Alex
The welfare score is 49.3. How are healthcare and education?
Yuki
What are the specific hospital and school numbers?
Kai
Minamiuonuma has a medical facility density of 7.87 per 10,000 residents, with 10 hospitals and 138 clinics. Schools number 71, or 0.38 per 1,000 residents, showing solid educational coverage. The welfare score is 49.3. The region also addresses snow-country-specific welfare needs, including elderly support and snow removal assistance.
Economy
Alex
An economy score of 43.6. Are there industries beyond Koshihikari rice?
Yuki
What about income levels and population trends?
Kai
Minamiuonuma's taxable income per capita is about 3.05 million yen, with an economy score of 43.6. Beyond the premium Uonuma Koshihikari rice brand, ski resorts and hot springs support a significant tourism industry. Net migration shows an outflow of 665 people (-0.35%), with youth outflow as a challenge. However, relocation promotion leveraging natural beauty and food culture is actively underway.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 23,531 |
| avg_rent | 44,878 |
| Clinics | 138 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 7.34 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.08 |
| Hospitals | 10 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.53 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 7.87 |
| net_migration | -665 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.35 |
| Total Population | 188,047 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 3 |
| restaurant_count | 834 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 4.44 |
| retail_count | 1,651 |
| retail_per_1000 | 8.78 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 71 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.38 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,053,546 |
Data: 2024