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Livability Report

UtsunomiyaLivability Score

TochigiยทPop. 518,757

5-axis livability scores for Utsunomiya, Tochigi based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.

Published: Mar 25, 2026

Overall Score

48.6
B
Safety43.1Cost51.4Convenience45.8Welfare47.1Economy55.6

* 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 Score Breakdown

SafetySafety43.1/100
CostCost51.4/100
ConvenienceConvenience45.8/100
WelfareWelfare47.1/100
EconomyEconomy55.6/100

Basic Information

Population

518,757

Prefecture

Tochigi

Q&A with Kai

Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.

Safety

Alex

Alex

Utsunomiya is famous for gyoza, but how is the safety situation?

Yuki

Yuki

As the largest city in North Kanto, what's the crime rate like?

Kai

Utsunomiya's crime rate is 6.29 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 43.1. As the largest city in North Kanto with about 519,000 people, it has concentrated urban functions including commercial districts. Known as the 'Thunder Capital,' the city features unique landscapes like Oya stone quarry sites, and residential areas maintain a calm atmosphere. The opening of the LRT light rail is advancing compact city development, improving overall urban visibility.

Kai

Cost of Living

Alex

Alex

How is the cost of living in Utsunomiya? Is it expensive being in the Tokyo commuter belt?

Yuki

Yuki

What are the land price and rent levels?

Kai

Utsunomiya's average land price is 85,543 yen per square meter, with average rent at 50,448 yen. The cost score is 51.5, a standard level. Being directly connected to Tokyo via the Tohoku Shinkansen at these price levels represents good cost-performance for commuters. Combined with the rich food culture led by its famous gyoza, residents can enjoy an abundant culinary scene while keeping daily living costs reasonable.

Kai

Convenience

Alex

Alex

I heard the new light rail has improved transportation. How is it in practice?

Yuki

Yuki

What about public transit usage rates and commercial facilities?

Kai

Utsunomiya's public transit usage rate is 5.9%, with a convenience score of 46.0. Japan's first entirely new-build LRT system, the 'Light Line,' has opened, significantly improving intra-city transportation. The Tohoku Shinkansen and Utsunomiya Line provide direct connections to central Tokyo. Retail density is 6.91 stores per 1,000 residents with restaurants at 4.30 per 1,000. As a technopolis, advanced compact city development continues to progress.

Kai

Welfare

Alex

Alex

How are healthcare and education in Utsunomiya?

Yuki

Yuki

For a city of 519,000, are welfare facilities adequate?

Kai

Utsunomiya has 33 hospitals (0.64 per 10,000 residents) and 431 clinics (8.31 per 10,000), with a combined medical facility density of 8.94 per 10,000. The welfare score is 47.5. There are 102 schools at 0.20 per 1,000 residents. As North Kanto's largest city, it offers a full range of medical institutions from general hospitals to specialized clinics. Smart city initiatives are also advancing the digitalization of welfare services.

Kai

Economy

Alex

Alex

How is Utsunomiya's economic strength? It also has an industrial image.

Yuki

Yuki

What about income levels and population trends?

Kai

Utsunomiya's economy score is 54.6. Taxable income per capita is approximately 3.72 million yen, and the net migration rate is +0.05%, maintaining near equilibrium. Well-developed inland industrial parks and the Utsunomiya Technopolis concept create a hub for industry-academia-residential collaboration. Development along the new LRT line is expected to bring further economic vitality, and the city continues to grow as a place where manufacturing and urban living harmonize in a climate averaging 14.3 degrees Celsius.

Kai

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Detailed Data

IndicatorValue
Avg. Land Price (ยฅ/mยฒ)85,543
avg_rent50,448
Clinics431
Clinics (per 10,000)8.31
Crime Rate (per 1,000)6.29
Hospitals33
Hospitals (per 10,000)0.64
Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics)8.94
net_migration270
net_migration_rate0.05
Total Population518,757
Public Transit Usage (%)5.9
restaurant_count2,230
restaurant_per_10004.3
retail_count3,583
retail_per_10006.91
Schools (elementary + junior high + high)102
Schools (per 1,000)0.2
taxable_income_per_capita3,720,961

Data: 2024