Livability Report
OtsuLivability Score
Shiga·Pop. 342,879
5-axis livability scores for Otsu, Shiga based on Japanese government open data covering safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published 2026-03-26 · Data updated 2026-10-08
Where in Japan
Overall Score
46.1
48.1
46.8
53.4
57.8* 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
Safety46.1Cost48.1Convenience46.8Welfare53.4Economy57.8Basic Information
Population
342,879
Prefecture
Shiga
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 is safety in Otsu? It's right next to Kyoto.
Yuki
What are the specific crime rate numbers?
Kai
Otsu's crime rate is 5.52 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 48.0. As a prefectural capital of about 345,000, it maintains moderate safety levels. An ancient capital with over 1,350 years of history since Emperor Tenji's Omi-Otsu Palace, the city features cultural properties including Enryaku-ji Temple and offers a calm residential environment.
Cost of Living
Alex
Are living costs high given the proximity to Kyoto?
Yuki
What are the land price and rent figures?
Kai
Otsu's average land price is 102,544 yen per square meter, with average rent at 54,012 yen, giving a cost score of 49.0. Considering that JR Biwako Line reaches Kyoto Station in about 10 minutes, housing is more affordable than within Kyoto itself. Residents enjoy a balanced lifestyle between Lake Biwa's natural environment and urban amenities.
Convenience
Alex
The easy access to Kyoto must be a huge advantage?
Yuki
What about public transit usage and shopping?
Kai
Otsu's public transit usage rate is 29.7%, with a convenience score of 46.6. JR Biwako Line reaches Kyoto Station in about 10 minutes, and the Keihan Otsu Line also serves the city. There are 1,759 retail stores (5.1 per 1,000) and 1,127 restaurants (3.27 per 1,000). Since Kyoto's commercial facilities fall within the living area, practical convenience exceeds what the numbers alone suggest.
Welfare
Alex
How about healthcare and education?
Yuki
What's the medical facility density?
Kai
Otsu has 15 hospitals (0.43 per 10,000) and 304 clinics (8.81 per 10,000), with a combined density of 9.24 per 10,000 and a welfare score of 47.5. There are 59 schools at 0.17 per 1,000 residents. With 304 clinics, everyday access to primary care physicians is excellent.
Economy
Alex
What characterizes Otsu's economy?
Yuki
What about income levels and population trends?
Kai
Otsu's taxable income per capita is 3,706,812 yen, with an economy score of 57.2. Toray Industries was founded here and maintains R&D and production facilities, with Shiga Bank also headquartered in the city. Notably, net migration is +1,065 (rate +0.31%), indicating population inflow. Demand as a Kyoto bedroom community, combined with outdoor attractions like Biwako Valley, drives this popularity.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 6.28 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 82,291 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 53,127 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 29.7 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 1,759 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 5.13 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 1,127 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 3.29 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 99.9 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.30 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 15 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.44 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 304 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.87 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 72 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.210 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.582 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 3,881,294 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | 1,052 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | 0.31 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 342,879 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 2,152 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 8,669 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 6 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 124 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 343,316 | 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 municipalityShiga 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 2026-03-26 · Data updated 2026-10-08