Livability Report
NagaokaLivability Score
Niigata·Pop. 251,069
5-axis livability scores for Nagaoka, Niigata based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published 2026-03-28 · 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
251,069
Prefecture
Niigata
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
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 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.19 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 37,664 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 50,143 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 5.2 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 2,178 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 8.68 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 1,142 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 4.55 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 99.5 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 7.69 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 11 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.44 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 182 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 7.25 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 95 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.378 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.209 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 3,165,753 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | -825 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | -0.33 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 251,069 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 1,052 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 9,707 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 5 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 454 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 252,265 | 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 municipalityNiigata 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 2026-03-28 · Data updated 2026-10-08