Exploring the 2026 Livability and Desired Neighborhood Rankings in Oita Prefecture

In a significant undertaking, Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd. has conducted an extensive residential satisfaction survey, culminating in the release of the "Livability Ranking 2026 and Desired Neighborhood Ranking 2026 for Oita Prefecture". The results reveal a blend of consistency and emerging trends within the realm of local living experiences.

Key Findings from the Livability Ranking

For the fifth consecutive year, Oita City has claimed the top position in the "Livability Ranking", demonstrating its dominance in residential satisfaction. Following closely are Beppu City in second place and Hidita Town in third.

Oita City, serving as the capital of the prefecture, stands as a hub for government activities and transportation. It boasts three JR railway lines, an extensive highway, and one of Japan's major ports, all contributing to its status as a vital transportation junction in Eastern Kyushu. The city offers a rich array of commercial, cultural, and public facilities, coupled with the natural beauty of nearby attractions like Takasakiyama.

The city's scores highlight its strengths across various factors, including "Living Convenience", "Transportation Convenience", and "Vibrancy", where it ranked first, alongside a notable second place in "Administrative Services" and third in "Friendliness".

Top 5 Cities

The results indicate that Oita City and its neighboring municipalities dominate the top five rankings, a trend consistent with previous years. The rankings are derived from an aggregation of responses gathered over the five-year period of 2022 to 2026, allowing for a comprehensive view of resident satisfaction.

Insights from the Desired Neighborhood Ranking

The "Desired Neighborhood Ranking" reflects the preferences of Oita residents, with Fukuoka City maintaining its top spot for six consecutive years. Following Fukuoka is Oita City in second place, also consistent for six years, while Beppu City retains third place for three years in a row. Notably, Tokyo's 23 wards secured the fourth position, while Okinawa City made a remarkable comeback into the top five after being unranked last year.

An interesting takeaway from the survey reveals that 78.9% of respondents felt positively about their current living situations, with 54.1% indicating there was no particular neighborhood they wished to move to.

Additional Ranking Insights

The livability rankings also shed light on specific factors that residents consider crucial:

- Peacefulness and Safety: Takeda City ranked second in these categories.
- Cost of Living: Kitsuki City topped the list, followed closely by Bungoodō City in second place.
- Disaster Preparedness: Bungoodō City and Takeda City ranked second and third respectively.

The ratings reflect the collective assessment of current residences based on measures of satisfaction, where a score of 100 represents complete satisfaction.

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted by MacroMill with participants being residents over the age of 20 in Oita Prefecture. Over the years, a total of 6,447 individuals contributed to the findings, providing a diverse cross-section of gender, marital status, and age groups. The latest survey was conducted from February 10 to March 22, 2026.

Conclusion

The 2026 Livability and Desired Neighborhood Rankings offer valuable insights into the preferences and satisfaction levels of Oita residents. With Oita City continuing to impress and Fukuoka City maintaining its aspirational status, these rankings contribute to understanding the urban landscape in this region. The results highlight not just where people live, but also where they aspire to be, offering a snapshot of community sentiment in Oita Prefecture.