Livability Report
YamaguchiLivability Score
YamaguchiยทPop. 193,966
5-axis livability scores for Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy.
Published: Apr 27, 2026
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 Score Breakdown
Basic Information
Population
193,966
Prefecture
Yamaguchi
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety

Alex
How is safety in Yamaguchi? It's a historic city known as the 'Kyoto of the West.'

Yuki
What are the crime rate figures?
Kai
Yamaguchi's crime rate is 3.22 per 1,000 residents, with an excellent safety score of 62.6. As a prefectural capital of about 194,000 people, the city retains rich history and culture from the Muromachi period when the Ouchi clan made it flourish as the 'Kyoto of the West.' Historical landmarks like Rurikoji Temple's five-story pagoda dot the landscape, and despite being a prefectural capital, the natural abundance and calm environment contribute to its strong public safety.

Cost of Living

Alex
Is Yamaguchi affordable? A cost score of 55.9 looks promising.

Yuki
What are the specific land price and rent numbers?
Kai
Yamaguchi's average land price is 56,908 yen per square meter, with average rent at 43,709 yen. The cost score is a favorable 55.9. For a prefectural capital, housing costs are quite reasonable, enabling a comfortable lifestyle with well-developed administrative services. A unique perk is having Yuda Onsen hot springs right in the urban area for everyday use. Redevelopment around Shin-Yamaguchi Station is progressing, creating a good balance of convenience and affordability.

Convenience

Alex
Yamaguchi has a shinkansen station. How is daily convenience?

Yuki
What about shopping and public transit usage?
Kai
Yamaguchi's public transit usage rate is 3.4%, with a convenience score of 45.7. Shin-Yamaguchi Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen serves as the transport hub, with shuttle buses to Yamaguchi-Ube Airport. The Chugoku and Sanyo expressways also pass through, providing good wide-area access. Retail density is 7.88 stores per 1,000 residents, quite adequate for daily needs. The area is also rich in tourism resources including the SL Yamaguchi steam locomotive. With a car, daily life is comfortable.

Welfare

Alex
How are healthcare and education in Yamaguchi?

Yuki
Are hospitals and schools sufficiently available?
Kai
Yamaguchi has 17 hospitals (0.88 per 10,000 residents) and 165 clinics (8.51 per 10,000), with a combined medical facility density of 9.38 per 10,000. The welfare score is 50.6. There are 54 schools at 0.28 per 1,000 residents, a high ratio. As an administrative city, welfare and education infrastructure is generously developed. The warm Setouchi climate in the central and southern areas supports a healthy living environment.

Economy

Alex
What's the economy like in Yamaguchi? As an administrative city, are there many civil servants?

Yuki
What about income levels and population trends?
Kai
Yamaguchi's economy score is 47.8. Taxable income per capita is approximately 3.22 million yen, and the net migration rate is -0.11%, nearly balanced. The city has a strong administrative character, and the Ogori district serves as a distribution hub with many national company branch offices. It's also the registered headquarters location of Fast Retailing. Tourism leveraging Ouchi cultural heritage sites and Yuda Onsen also supports the economy, making it a city where residents enjoy stable lives in a peaceful environment.

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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (ยฅ/mยฒ) | 56,908 |
| avg_rent | 43,709 |
| Clinics | 165 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.51 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 3.22 |
| Hospitals | 17 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.88 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.38 |
| net_migration | -216 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.11 |
| Total Population | 193,966 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 3.4 |
| restaurant_count | 737 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 3.8 |
| retail_count | 1,529 |
| retail_per_1000 | 7.88 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 54 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.28 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,215,422 |
Data: 2024