Livability Report
UtsunomiyaLivability Score
Tochigi·Pop. 511,237
5-axis livability scores for Utsunomiya, Tochigi based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published 2026-03-25 · 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
511,237
Prefecture
Tochigi
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
Utsunomiya is famous for gyoza, but how is the safety situation?

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.

Cost of Living

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

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.

Convenience

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

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.

Welfare

Alex
How are healthcare and education in Utsunomiya?

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.

Economy

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

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.

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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 6.47 | 2025 |
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 65,934 | 2026 |
| Avg. Rent (¥) | 53,280 | 2023 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 5.9 | 2020 |
| Retail Establishments | 3,583 | 2021 |
| Retail Establishments (per 1,000) | 7.01 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments | 2,230 | 2021 |
| Restaurant Establishments (per 1,000) | 4.36 | 2021 |
| Residency Rate (%, census ÷ resident register) | 99.6 | 2025 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.19 | 2023 |
| Hospitals | 32 | 2023 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.63 | 2023 |
| Clinics | 438 | 2023 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.57 | 2023 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 118 | 2024 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.231 | 2024 |
| Schools (per habitable km²) | 0.351 | 2024 |
| Taxable Income per Capita (¥) | 3,921,154 | 2025 |
| Net Migration | 505 | 2025 |
| Net Migration Rate (%) | 0.10 | 2025 |
| Total Population | 511,237 | 2025 |
| crime_count | 3,308 | 2025 |
| crime_count_pref | 12,780 | 2025 |
| crime_rate_pref_per_1000 | 7 | 2025 |
| habitable_area_km2 | 337 | 2024 |
| resident_registry_population | 513,378 | 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 municipalityTochigi 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