Livability Report
MoriokaLivability Score
Iwate·Pop. 289,731
5-axis livability scores for Morioka, Iwate based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Mar 15, 2026
Overall Score
67.8
53.6
51.3
51.5
46.3* 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
Safety67.8/100Cost53.6/100Convenience51.3/100Welfare51.5/100Economy46.3/100Basic Information
Population
289,731
Prefecture
Iwate
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
Morioka was featured by the NYT — how does it rate on safety?
Yuki
What are the specific crime rate figures?
Kai
Morioka's crime rate is just 2.46 per 1,000 residents, earning an impressive safety score of 67.4. For a prefectural capital of about 290,000 people, this remarkably low crime rate stands out. The historical castle town community bonds and the serene environment created by three rivers flowing through the city contribute to this excellent safety level.
Cost of Living
Alex
How affordable is living in Morioka?
Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent levels?
Kai
Morioka's average land price is 75,380 yen per square meter, with average rent at 47,565 yen, resulting in a cost score of 53.2. These are standard levels for a Tohoku prefectural capital. Considering the Tohoku Shinkansen provides access to Tokyo in about 2 hours and 15 minutes, the cost-performance ratio is favorable. The rich food culture, including Morioka's famous three noodle dishes, adds everyday dining satisfaction.
Convenience
Alex
Morioka has Shinkansen access, but how convenient is daily life?
Yuki
Are public transit and shopping facilities adequate?
Kai
Morioka's convenience score is 50.4. Public transit usage is 8.8%, supported by a bus-centered transportation network. Beyond the Tohoku Shinkansen, Morioka is also the junction point for the Akita Shinkansen, offering excellent regional connectivity. Retail density is 8.47 per 1,000 residents and restaurants are at 5.25 per 1,000. The compact city center concentrates urban functions efficiently.
Welfare
Alex
How are healthcare and education in Morioka?
Yuki
What are the specific facility numbers?
Kai
Morioka has 27 hospitals and 260 clinics, with a combined medical facility density of 9.91 per 10,000 residents. The welfare score is 51.0. There are 70 schools at 0.24 per 1,000 residents. As the prefectural capital, it hosts advanced medical institutions including Iwate Medical University Hospital, serving as the healthcare hub for the entire prefecture.
Economy
Alex
Morioka has been getting attention lately — what do the economic numbers show?
Yuki
What about income levels and population trends?
Kai
Morioka's economy score is 46.9. Taxable income per capita is about 3.29 million yen, among the highest in the Tohoku region. The net migration rate is -0.27%, a net annual loss of 768 people. However, the NYT recognition has boosted tourism-driven economic activity. Traditional crafts like Nanbu ironware, combined with growing tourism demand, support the city's economic foundation.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 75,380 |
| avg_rent | 47,565 |
| Clinics | 260 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.97 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 2.46 |
| Hospitals | 27 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.93 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.91 |
| net_migration | -768 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.27 |
| Total Population | 289,731 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 8.8 |
| restaurant_count | 1,522 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 5.25 |
| retail_count | 2,453 |
| retail_per_1000 | 8.47 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 70 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.24 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,292,340 |
Data: 2024