Livability Report
SaseboLivability Score
Nagasaki·Pop. 225,977
Livability analysis of Sasebo, Nagasaki across 5 axes: safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy based on government open data.
Published 2026-03-25 · Data updated 2026-10-08
Where in Japan
Overall Score
61.5
55.5
54.1
54.7
36.7* 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
Safety61.5Cost55.5Convenience54.1Welfare54.7Economy36.7Basic Information
Population
225,977
Prefecture
Nagasaki
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 safe is Sasebo? It has a military port image.
Yuki
What are the specific crime rate numbers?
Kai
Sasebo's crime rate is 2.99 per 1,000 residents, with an impressive safety score of 64.1. As a core city of about 243,000 people, the presence of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and US Naval base contributes to heightened security awareness. The Yonkacho-Sankacho arcade shopping street, said to be the longest straight-line arcade in Japan, maintains a lively and well-patrolled environment.
Cost of Living
Alex
How much does it cost to live in Sasebo?
Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent figures?
Kai
Sasebo's average land price is 74,179 yen per square meter, and the average rent is 41,483 yen, with a cost score of 56.3. Housing costs are quite affordable even within Kyushu. While famous as a tourist destination with Kujukushima Islands and Huis Ten Bosch, residential areas maintain moderate price levels. Fresh seafood is readily available, and the unique food culture including the famous Sasebo Burger adds to daily life enjoyment.
Convenience
Alex
How convenient is Sasebo for daily transportation and shopping?
Yuki
How developed are public transit and commercial facilities?
Kai
The public transit usage rate is 11.6%, with a convenience score of 49.5. The JR Sasebo Line reaches Hakata in about 1 hour 40 minutes by express, and the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway connects to Fukuoka. Retail density is 8.27 stores per 1,000 residents, with 4.67 restaurants — well-served for daily needs. The Yonkacho-Sankacho arcade sustains the central commercial district.
Welfare
Alex
How are healthcare and education in Sasebo?
Yuki
How well-staffed are hospitals and schools?
Kai
The welfare score is 52.5. Medical facilities total 9.95 per 10,000 residents with 24 hospitals and 218 clinics — solid healthcare infrastructure for a core city. Schools number 0.30 per 1,000 residents across 72 facilities, providing good educational coverage. The warm climate averaging about 17.8°C year-round is comfortable, though the rainy season brings significant precipitation.
Economy
Alex
How's Sasebo's economy? Shipbuilding is famous there.
Yuki
What about income levels and population trends?
Kai
The economy score is 39.2. Taxable income per capita is approximately 2.98 million yen, with shipbuilding and Huis Ten Bosch tourism being major economic pillars. Net migration is -1,694 with a rate of -0.70%, showing population outflow. However, the city has diverse industries including Mikawachi pottery and mail-order businesses. Tourism promotion leveraging the natural beauty of Kujukushima Islands continues to be developed.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 3.98 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 39,465 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 47,177 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 11.6 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 2,011 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 8.90 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 1,135 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 5.02 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 98.3 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 10.58 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 24 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 1.06 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 215 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 9.51 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 86 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.381 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.413 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 3,126,454 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | -1,825 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | -0.81 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 225,977 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 899 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 4,209 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 3 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 208 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 229,941 | 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 municipalityNagasaki 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 2026-03-25 · Data updated 2026-10-08