Livability Report
NaganoLivability Score
Nagano·Pop. 357,077
5-axis livability scores for Nagano, Nagano based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published 2026-03-29 · Data updated 2026-10-08
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
357,077
Prefecture
Nagano
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
Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics — how does it rate on safety?

Yuki
What are the specific crime rate numbers?
Kai
Nagano's crime rate is 3.88 per 1,000 residents, earning a safety score of 58.4. For a prefectural capital of about 370,000 people, this represents a solid safety level. The stability of long-established communities centered on Zenkoji Temple's historic temple town contributes to the peaceful environment.

Cost of Living

Alex
How does the cost of living in Nagano compare to Tokyo?

Yuki
What are the land price and rent levels?
Kai
Nagano's average land price is 73,122 yen per square meter, with average rent at 46,501 yen, resulting in a cost score of 53.8. Considering the Hokuriku Shinkansen reaches Tokyo in about 90 minutes, housing costs are quite reasonable. The area's thriving fruit cultivation means fresh local apples and grapes are readily available, adding value to everyday food expenses.

Convenience

Alex
How convenient is Nagano for transportation and shopping?

Yuki
What about public transit usage and commercial facilities?
Kai
Nagano's convenience score is 47.9. Public transit usage is 8.1%, supported by the Nagano Electric Railway, bus routes, and the Hokuriku Shinkansen for long-distance travel. Retail density is 7.77 per 1,000 residents and restaurants are at 4.54 per 1,000. The Zenkoji temple town area concentrates commercial activity with tourist-driven demand. During winter, ski resort access is also well-developed.

Welfare

Alex
How are healthcare and education facilities in Nagano?

Yuki
What are the specific numbers?
Kai
Nagano has 25 hospitals and 293 clinics, with a combined medical facility density of 8.53 per 10,000 residents. The welfare score is 47.5. There are 88 schools at 0.24 per 1,000 residents. Nagano Prefecture is renowned for longevity, reflecting strong preventive healthcare awareness. Shinshu University Hospital provides advanced medical care, balancing routine and specialized healthcare needs.

Economy

Alex
What do the economic indicators look like for Nagano?

Yuki
What about population trends and income levels?
Kai
Nagano's economy score is 49.5. Taxable income per capita is about 3.39 million yen, a relatively high level. The net migration rate is -0.12%, an annual net loss of 461 people — a modest decline. Tourism centered on Zenkoji Temple, agriculture including fruit cultivation, and Shinkansen connectivity to the Tokyo metropolitan area form the economic foundation. The city is also gaining attention as a workation destination.

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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.82 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 53,388 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 49,902 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 8.1 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 2,896 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 8.11 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 1,691 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 4.74 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 99.2 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 8.99 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 24 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.67 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 297 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.32 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 105 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.294 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.337 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 3,479,392 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | -256 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | -0.07 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 357,077 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 1,722 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 8,085 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 4 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 312 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 359,886 | 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 municipalityNagano 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 2026-03-29 · Data updated 2026-10-08