Livability Report
YakushimaLivability Score
KagoshimaยทPop. 11,858
5-axis livability scores for Yakushima, Kagoshima based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Mar 10, 2026
Overall Score
55.7
61
63.4
65.2
33.2* 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
Safety55.7/100Cost61/100Convenience63.4/100Welfare65.2/100Economy33.2/100Basic Information
Population
11,858
Prefecture
Kagoshima
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
How is safety on Yakushima? Remote islands tend to have a peaceful image.
Yuki
What are the specific crime rate figures?
Kai
Yakushima's crime rate is 4.34 per 1,000 residents, with a solid safety score of 55.5. This island town of about 12,000 people is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site surrounded by rich nature. The close-knit community where everyone knows each other underpins the town's good public safety, and the characteristic peaceful island lifestyle is well-established.
Cost of Living
Alex
How is the cost of living on Yakushima? Islands are usually expensive, right?
Yuki
Land prices must be quite low. What's the reality?
Kai
Yakushima's average land price is just 11,218 yen per square meter, giving it a favorable cost score of 58.9. While land is very affordable, daily goods and groceries can be pricier due to island shipping costs. However, self-sufficient living is feasible amid the island's natural abundance, and with 10.46 restaurants and 14.25 retail stores per 1,000 residents, the commercial environment is surprisingly robust relative to the population.
Convenience
Alex
Yakushima's convenience score of 66.1 is remarkably high for a remote island! Why?
Yuki
What's the real situation with public transit and shopping?
Kai
Yakushima's public transit usage is just 1.2%, but the convenience score reaches 66.1. This reflects the very high per-capita density of retail stores at 14.25 per 1,000 residents and restaurants at 10.46 per 1,000. While car transportation is the norm, essential daily facilities are compactly arranged across the island. The island has an airport with flights to Kagoshima, plus high-speed boat and ferry connections to the mainland.
Welfare
Alex
Yakushima's welfare score of 73.0 is exceptionally high! What explains this?
Yuki
How are medical facilities and schools distributed?
Kai
Yakushima has 1 hospital (0.84 per 10,000 residents) and 11 clinics (9.28 per 10,000), with a combined density of 10.12 per 10,000. There are 13 schools at an impressive 1.10 per 1,000 residents. The high welfare score of 73.0 reflects that medical and educational facilities are generously allocated relative to the small population. This is characteristic of remote island communities that provide attentive, fine-grained public services to residents.
Economy
Alex
Yakushima's economy score of 36.1 is on the low side. Are job options limited?
Yuki
What about income levels and population trends?
Kai
Yakushima's economy score is 36.1. Taxable income per capita is approximately 2.70 million yen, and the net migration rate is -0.72%, showing ongoing population decline. Tourism is the primary industry for this UNESCO World Heritage island, which is reflected in the high per-capita restaurant density. While the island economy faces inherent scale limitations, efforts are underway to attract new residents through ecotourism and nature-based tourism experiences.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (ยฅ/mยฒ) | 11,218 |
| Clinics | 11 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 9.28 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 4.34 |
| Hospitals | 1 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.84 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 10.12 |
| net_migration | -85 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.72 |
| Total Population | 11,858 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 1.2 |
| restaurant_count | 124 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 10.46 |
| retail_count | 169 |
| retail_per_1000 | 14.25 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 13 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 1.1 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 2,701,583 |
Data: 2024