Livability Report
NahaLivability Score
Okinawa·Pop. 310,705
5-axis livability scores for Naha, Okinawa based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, transport, education, and healthcare.
Published 2026-03-07 · 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
310,705
Prefecture
Okinawa
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 safety in Naha? It's a tourist city, so I'm curious.

Yuki
A safety score of 57.8 seems about average. What's the crime rate?
Kai
Naha's crime rate is 6.22 per 1,000 residents, yielding a safety score of 57.8. As a tourist destination, the Kokusai Street entertainment area requires some caution regarding petty crime. However, residential neighborhoods are relatively safe, and Okinawa's strong community bonds contribute to maintaining public order. Overall, it's at a moderate level.

Cost of Living

Alex
What are living costs like in Naha? Tell me about the land prices.

Yuki
A cost score of 72.3 is quite high. Does Okinawa really have low prices?
Kai
Naha's average land price is 313,521 yen per square meter, giving a cost score of 72.3 — a favorable rating. The relatively affordable land prices are the key factor. One caveat: as an island, Okinawa faces shipping surcharges that make groceries and daily goods more expensive. On the plus side, heating costs are virtually zero, which is a significant household savings. The Omoromachi and Shintoshin areas are popular residential neighborhoods.

Convenience

Alex
The transport score of 19.4 is quite low. Is Okinawa really that car-dependent?

Yuki
Is there any public transit besides the Yui Rail monorail?
Kai
Naha's public transit usage rate is 13.6%, with a transport score of 19.4. Okinawa's only rail line is the Yui Rail monorail, covering about 17 km from Naha Airport to Shuri. Beyond that, travel depends on buses or private cars, and traffic congestion is a daily challenge. That said, living along the Yui Rail line provides access to Naha's main areas, so car-free living is not impossible within the city center.

Welfare

Alex
How's the education environment in Naha? Are there enough schools?

Yuki
An education score of 52.0 — how well-equipped is a city of 318,000?
Kai
Naha has 56 schools at a density of 0.18 per 1,000 residents, with an education score of 52.0. The University of the Ryukyus (located in neighboring Nishihara but within commuting distance) and Okinawa International University provide higher education options. The city offers rich education in its unique history and culture, and many schools emphasize English education, creating a naturally international educational environment.

Economy

Alex
How's healthcare in Naha? Being on an island must pose some challenges.

Yuki
Healthcare scores 27.1, which is on the low side. How many facilities are there?
Kai
Naha has 17 hospitals (0.54 per 10,000 residents) and 271 clinics (8.53 per 10,000), with total medical facilities at 9.07 per 10,000. The healthcare score of 27.1 is somewhat low. Core facilities like Okinawa Prefectural Nanbu Medical Center and Naha City Hospital exist, but some advanced specialized care may require transfer to the mainland. That said, Naha has the highest concentration of medical resources within Okinawa Prefecture.

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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 9.85 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 215,966 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 54,095 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 13.6 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 2,845 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 9.16 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 2,809 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 9.04 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 99.5 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.01 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 17 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.55 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 263 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.47 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 68 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.219 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 1.648 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 3,621,313 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | -1,096 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | -0.35 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 310,705 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 3,059 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 10,677 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 7 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 41 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 312,352 | 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 municipalityOkinawa 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 2026-03-07 · Data updated 2026-10-20