Livability Report
NichinanLivability Score
Miyazaki·Pop. 45,850
5-axis livability scores for Nichinan, Miyazaki based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published 2026-03-31 · 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
45,850
Prefecture
Miyazaki
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
Nichinan is known for pro baseball training camps — how safe is it?

Yuki
What are the specific crime rate figures?
Kai
Nichinan's crime rate is 4.04 per 1,000 residents, earning a safety score of 57.4. For a small city of about 51,000 people, this is a solid safety level. The warm climate facing the Hyuga Sea and the calm local character create a relaxed living environment with strong community ties.

Cost of Living

Alex
Is Nichinan affordable to live in?

Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent levels?
Kai
Nichinan's average land price is 22,056 yen per square meter, with average rent at 34,377 yen, giving a strong cost score of 61.8. Both land prices and rent are very affordable, with rent staying in the low 34,000 yen range. The warm climate helps reduce heating costs, making total living expenses quite attractive. Fresh local seafood is also readily available.

Convenience

Alex
How convenient is daily life in Nichinan?

Yuki
What about public transit and commercial facilities?
Kai
Nichinan's convenience score is 52.1. Public transit usage is 2.3%, making cars the primary transportation mode. However, retail density is 9.56 per 1,000 residents and restaurants 6.14 per 1,000 — both strong figures for the population size. The JR Nichinan Line connects to Miyazaki City, but daily commuting requires a personal vehicle. The Obi castle town area offers tourist-oriented shops as well.

Welfare

Alex
How are Nichinan's healthcare and education facilities?

Yuki
What are the specific numbers?
Kai
Nichinan has 8 hospitals and 46 clinics, with a combined medical facility density of 10.62 per 10,000 residents. The welfare score is a strong 59.0. Hospital density at 1.57 per 10,000 is notably high, ensuring good access to inpatient care. There are 25 schools at 0.49 per 1,000 residents, with educational facilities well-distributed across the community. For a city of 51,000, the healthcare and education infrastructure is quite robust.

Economy

Alex
What industries support Nichinan's economy?

Yuki
What about population trends and income levels?
Kai
Nichinan's economy score is 41.0. Taxable income per capita is about 2.74 million yen, with a net migration rate of -0.29% — an annual net loss of 145 people. Professional baseball training camps bring tourism revenue, while forestry using Obi cedar and fishing support the local economy. The historic Obi castle town district is being leveraged for tourism-based community development.

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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 2.75 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 18,575 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 35,996 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 2.3 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 486 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 10.60 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 312 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 6.81 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 97.3 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 10.91 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 7 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.53 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 43 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 9.38 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 28 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.611 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.256 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 2,874,443 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | -351 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | -0.77 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 45,850 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 126 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 4,717 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 5 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 110 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 47,105 | 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 municipalityMiyazaki 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 2026-03-31 · Data updated 2026-10-08