Livability Report
NagaokaLivability Score
Niigata·Pop. 266,936
5-axis livability scores for Nagaoka, Niigata based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Mar 28, 2026
Overall Score
57.3
54
47.7
47.5
42.6* 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
Safety57.3/100Cost54/100Convenience47.7/100Welfare47.5/100Economy42.6/100Basic Information
Population
266,936
Prefecture
Niigata
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
Nagaoka is famous for its fireworks festival — how's the safety?
Yuki
What are the specific crime rate figures?
Kai
Nagaoka's crime rate is 4.08 per 1,000 residents, earning a safety score of 57.1. For a city of about 267,000 people, this is a solid safety level. The community's education-focused culture, symbolized by the 'Kome Hyappyo' spirit of investing in education, contributes to strong social cohesion and public safety.
Cost of Living
Alex
How affordable is living in Nagaoka?
Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent levels?
Kai
Nagaoka's average land price is 46,172 yen per square meter, with average rent at 49,115 yen, resulting in a cost score of 53.5. Land prices are very affordable, though rent at about 49,000 yen is slightly higher. Given the Joetsu Shinkansen reaches Tokyo in about 80-100 minutes, the housing cost represents good value. As a center of Niigata's rice country, excellent local cuisine enhances everyday living satisfaction.
Convenience
Alex
Nagaoka gets heavy snow — how convenient is daily life?
Yuki
Are public transit and shopping facilities adequate?
Kai
Nagaoka's convenience score is 47.4. Public transit usage is 5.2%, with most residents relying on cars. However, extensive snow-melting pipe systems keep roads manageable in winter. Retail density is 8.16 per 1,000 residents. As a transportation hub where the Joetsu Shinkansen meets the Kanetsu and Hokuriku expressways, regional access is excellent. The Aore Nagaoka development has revitalized the city center.
Welfare
Alex
How are healthcare and education in Nagaoka?
Yuki
What are the specific facility numbers?
Kai
Nagaoka has 11 hospitals and 190 clinics, with a combined medical facility density of 7.53 per 10,000 residents. The welfare score is 46.7. There are 84 schools at 0.31 per 1,000 residents — a generous distribution of educational facilities. Nagaoka University of Technology and other institutions reflect the city's deep-rooted education-focused culture.
Economy
Alex
Nagaoka has a strong manufacturing sector. How does the economy look overall?
Yuki
What about population trends and income levels?
Kai
Nagaoka's economy score is 43.8. Taxable income per capita is about 3.02 million yen, with a net migration rate of -0.31% — an annual net loss of 835 people. Precision machinery and machine tool manufacturing, developed from the region's natural gas production heritage, form the economic backbone. Rice cracker manufacturers and the nishikigoi (koi fish) industry add to a diverse economic base.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 46,172 |
| avg_rent | 49,115 |
| Clinics | 190 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 7.12 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.08 |
| Hospitals | 11 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.41 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 7.53 |
| net_migration | -835 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.31 |
| Total Population | 266,936 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 5.2 |
| restaurant_count | 1,142 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 4.28 |
| retail_count | 2,178 |
| retail_per_1000 | 8.16 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 84 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.31 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,024,819 |
Data: 2024