Livability Report
MiyakonojoLivability Score
Miyazaki·Pop. 159,699
5-axis livability scores for Miyakonojo, Miyazaki based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published 2026-03-11 · Data updated 2026-10-20
Where in Japan
Overall Score
* 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
Basic Information
Population
159,699
Prefecture
Miyazaki
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's the safety situation in Miyakonojo?

Yuki
What are the specific crime rate figures?
Kai
Miyakonojo's crime rate is 4.04 per 1,000 residents, earning a safety score of 57.4. For a city of about 160,000 people, this represents a solid level of public safety. As a core city in southern Miyazaki Prefecture with an agriculture-based economy, it maintains a calm living environment supported by strong community bonds.

Cost of Living

Alex
Is Miyakonojo affordable as a regional city?

Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent levels?
Kai
Miyakonojo's average land price is 23,216 yen per square meter, with average rent at 35,708 yen, giving a cost score of 61.0. Land prices are very affordable, and rent stays in the mid-35,000 yen range. The region's thriving livestock and agricultural industries mean fresh local produce is readily available, offering additional savings on food costs.

Convenience

Alex
Do you need a car to get around in Miyakonojo?

Yuki
How well-equipped are the commercial facilities?
Kai
Miyakonojo's convenience score is 50.1. Public transit usage is 1.1%, so daily transportation relies on personal vehicles. Retail density is 9.39 stores per 1,000 residents, and restaurants number 5.36 per 1,000. Large shopping centers serve the area, making daily shopping quite manageable. Access to Kagoshima City is also convenient, providing broader regional amenities.

Welfare

Alex
How are healthcare and education facilities?

Yuki
Can you give specific numbers on hospitals and schools?
Kai
Miyakonojo has 27 hospitals and 127 clinics, with a combined medical facility density of 9.59 per 10,000 residents. The welfare score is 53.1. There are 58 schools at a rate of 0.36 per 1,000 residents. The hospital density of 1.68 per 10,000 is notably high, meaning good access to inpatient care.

Economy

Alex
How strong is Miyakonojo's economy?

Yuki
What about population inflow and outflow trends?
Kai
Miyakonojo's economy score is 59.1, which is quite healthy. Taxable income per capita is about 2.83 million yen. The standout figure is a net migration rate of +1.37%, representing a net gain of 2,203 people annually — significant for a city of 160,000. The strong agricultural base centered on livestock farming, combined with proximity to Kagoshima City, drives this population attraction.

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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.58 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 17,360 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 40,835 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 1.1 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 1,509 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 9.45 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 861 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 5.39 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 98.5 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.39 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 26 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.63 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 124 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 7.77 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 66 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.413 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.227 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 2,915,865 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | 601 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | 0.38 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 159,699 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 731 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 4,717 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 5 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 291 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 162,119 | 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 municipalityMiyazaki 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 2026-03-11 · Data updated 2026-10-20