- In Kanagawa Prefecture, the number of criminal offenses in 2025 was 50,059, which is 5.45 per 1,000 people.
- The wards with the highest rates per capita are Nishi Ward and Naka Ward in Yokohama City, and Kawasaki Ward in Kawasaki City. Wards with high population density tend to have higher figures.
- Ayase City's figures are roughly the same as the prefectural average, while Yokosuka City and Totsuka Ward's figures are lower than the prefectural average.
- Nishi Ward is ranked second in livability (among municipalities). The number of complaints alone doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad place to live.
- According to SUUMO's 2026 survey, Yokohama is ranked first and Musashi-Kosugi is ranked second among train stations in the prefecture.
How to choose the "least desirable place to live" in Kanagawa Prefecture? How to interpret the 2026 edition.
The reasons why someone might not want to live in a particular city vary from person to person. Some are concerned about safety, while others are bothered by the distance from the train station or the sheer number of people.
This article will organize information based on publicly available statistics and surveys, rather than word-of-mouth or impressions. Safety will be assessed by dividing the number of reported criminal offenses in Kanagawa Prefecture in 2025 by the population of each city/ward, while resident ratings will be verified using a 2026 survey by Iiheya Net.
Statistics and surveys used in this article
| Statistics and surveys (source of publication) | Time of publication | Contents used in this article |
|---|---|---|
| Number of reported criminal offenses by municipality (Kanagawa Prefectural Police) | Finalized value at the end of December 2020 | Number of cases by city and ward |
| Population and households in Kanagawa Prefecture (Kanagawa Prefecture) | As of September 1, 2026 (Published September 30, 2026) | Calculation of the number of cases per 1,000 people |
| 2026 Ranking of Livability and Desirability of Cities to Live In <Kanagawa Prefecture Edition> (Daito Kentaku Iiheya Net) | Announced on May 13, 2026 | Evaluation (livability) by residents of Kanagawa Prefecture |
| SUUMO's Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026: Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition (Recruit) | Announced on February 25, 2026 | Ranking of train stations in Kanagawa Prefecture |
Sources: Kanagawa Prefectural Police Crime Statistics / Kanagawa Prefecture "Population and Households in Kanagawa Prefecture" / Iiheya Net City Livability & Desirable City Ranking 2026 <Kanagawa Prefecture Edition> (Daito Kentaku) / SUUMO Desirable City Ranking 2026 Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition (Recruit) (as of October 2026)
Points to note when looking at the number of items
The number of reported criminal offenses represents the number of incidents the police have identified, not the number of victims who live in that city. In areas like Yokohama Station, Minato Mirai, and Kawasaki Station, where many people visit for shopping and work, the number will be high when divided by the number of residents.
In Kanagawa Prefecture as a whole, theft accounts for 35,194 cases, or approximately 70.3% of all criminal offenses. A high number in a city does not necessarily mean a high number of violent crimes. Note that because towns and villages have small populations and even a single increase or decrease in the number can significantly affect the figures, this article's ranking only includes cities and wards.
Source: Kanagawa Prefectural Police, "Number of Reported Criminal Offenses by Crime Type and Municipality, Final Figures as of the End of December 2025" (Final Figures as of the End of December 2025)
If you're looking for an apartment in Kanagawa Prefecture and are curious about the differences between neighborhoods, Cross House can help you find the perfect place, so please feel free to contact us.
Top 10 "Cities You Don't Want to Live In" in Kanagawa Prefecture [2026 Edition] | Number of Criminal Offenses Reported per 1,000 People
We compared the number of reported criminal offenses per 1,000 people in wards of Yokohama City, Kawasaki City, and Sagamihara City, as well as other cities in Kanagawa Prefecture, in 2025, and listed the top 10 locations in descending order. The average for Kanagawa Prefecture as a whole was 5.45 cases, Yokohama City was 5.04 cases, Kawasaki City was 5.27 cases, and Sagamihara City was 6.36 cases.
1st place: Nishi Ward, Yokohama City (14.18 votes)
Nishi Ward, home to Yokohama Station and Minato Mirai, is one of the most populated wards in Kanagawa Prefecture. Despite its relatively small population of approximately 109,000, it has the highest rate of cases per capita among all cities and wards in the prefecture. In 2025, there were 1,539 cases.
In Iiheya Net's "Comfortable Living (Municipality)" ranking, Yokohama Station has been ranked second for four consecutive years, and also second in "Most Desirable City to Live In (Municipality)." In SUUMO, Yokohama Station ranked first in the entire Tokyo metropolitan area (for the ninth consecutive year).
2nd place: Naka Ward, Yokohama City (11.07 votes)
Naka Ward includes areas such as Kannai, Bashamichi, Motomachi, and Chinatown, which are popular tourist and business districts. Its population is approximately 154,000, and the large number of visitors drives up the per capita figures. In 2025, there were 1,711 cases.
According to Iiheya Net, Bashamichi in Naka Ward was ranked number one for livability (by station). It also ranked third in the "Most Desirable Place to Live (Municipality)" ranking, tied with Kamakura City.
3rd place: Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City (10.59 cases)
Kawasaki Ward, which includes the commercial area around Kawasaki Station, had the highest number of cases among all cities and wards in Kanagawa Prefecture, with 2,489 cases. It also has a large population of approximately 235,000, resulting in 10.59 cases per capita.
According to a survey by SUUMO, Kawasaki Station ranked 5th among stations in the prefecture, and its overall ranking in the Tokyo metropolitan area rose from 32nd last year to 27th.
4th place: Odawara City (8.44 cases)
Odawara City is the central city in the western part of the prefecture, and it is a popular tourist destination with attractions such as Odawara Station, where the Shinkansen bullet train stops, and Odawara Castle.
The total number of cases was 1,554, the fourth highest among cities other than designated cities (Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Sagamihara). However, with a population of approximately 184,000, the rate per capita was the highest among all cities.
5th place: Yamato City (7.44 votes)
Yamato City had 1,840 cases, the second highest number among cities other than designated cities, after Fujisawa City. Its population is approximately 247,000.
The rate is 7.44 cases per capita, which is the second highest among cities, after Odawara City. It is about two cases higher than the prefecture's average of 5.45 cases.
6th place: Sagamihara City, Chuo Ward (6.79 votes)
Sagamihara City's Chuo Ward has the largest population among the three wards of Sagamihara City, and also the highest number of cases, with 1,820.
In Sagamihara City as a whole, the rate is 6.36 cases per 1,000 people, which is higher than Yokohama City (5.04 cases) and Kawasaki City (5.27 cases).
7th place: Atsugi City (6.74 votes)
Atsugi City is the central city of Kanagawa Prefecture, with 1,498 reported cases and a population of approximately 222,000.
The 6.74 cases per capita is roughly the same level as the next city, Hiratsuka (6.73 cases).
8th place: Hiratsuka City (6.73 votes)
Hiratsuka City is located on the western side of the Shonan area, and the number of cases was 1,734. Among cities other than designated cities, this is the third highest number, after Fujisawa City and Yamato City.
Because the population is relatively large at approximately 258,000, the number of cases per capita is only 6.73, which is about 1.3 cases higher than the prefectural average (5.45 cases).
9th place: Ebina City (6.25 votes)
Ebina City is a city where large commercial facilities are concentrated around the train station. It has 890 properties and a population of approximately 142,000.
According to a survey by SUUMO, Ebina Station ranked 8th among stations in the prefecture. It has also been ranked 5th for three consecutive years in Iiheya Net's "Most Desirable Places to Live (by Station)" survey.
10th place: Minami Ward, Sagamihara City (6.20 votes)
Sagamihara City's Minami Ward has the largest population among the three wards of Sagamihara City, with approximately 279,000 people. The number of cases was 1,731.
The average number of cases per capita is 6.20, which is about 0.8 cases higher than the prefectural average (5.45 cases).
List of cities and wards in Kanagawa Prefecture (2025)
We listed 16 cities: 18 in Yokohama City, 7 in Kawasaki City, and 3 in Sagamihara City. Only Chigasaki City (5.49 cases), ranked 18th, surpasses the prefecture's average of 5.45 cases.
| Rank | City/ward | Number of cases in 2025 | Population (September 2026) | per 1,000 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nishi Ward, Yokohama City | 1,539 items | 108,553 people | 14.18 items |
| 2 | Naka Ward, Yokohama City | 1,711 items | 154,496 people | 11.07 items |
| 3 | Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City | 2,489 items | 234,940 people | 10.59 items |
| 4 | Odawara City | 1,554 items | 184,059 people | 8.44 items |
| 5 | Yamato City | 1,840 items | 247,231 people | 7.44 items |
| 6 | Sagamihara City, Chuo Ward | 1,820 items | 268,140 people | 6.79 items |
| 7 | Atsugi City | 1,498 items | 222,128 people | 6.74 items |
| 8 | Hiratsuka City | 1,734 items | 257,516 people | 6.73 items |
| 9 | Ebina City | 890 items | 142,432 people | 6.25 items |
| 10 | Minami Ward, Sagamihara City | 1,731 items | 279,303 people | 6.20 items |
| 11 | Zama City | 814 items | 131,666 people | 6.18 items |
| 12 | Midori Ward, Sagamihara City | 979 items | 164,589 people | 5.95 items |
| 13 | Saiwai Ward, Kawasaki City | 1,051 items | 177,247 people | 5.93 items |
| 14 | Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama City | 1,756 items | 298,235 people | 5.89 items |
| 15 | Fujisawa City | 2,463 items | 444,245 people | 5.54 items |
| 16 | Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City | 1,057 items | 191,737 people | 5.51 items |
| 17 | Ayase City | 455 items | 82,719 people | 5.50 items |
| 18 | Chigasaki City | 1,343 items | 244,729 people | 5.49 items |
| 19 | Zushi City | 296 items | 54,904 people | 5.39 items |
| 20 | Seya Ward, Yokohama City | 644 items | 120,093 people | 5.36 items |
| twenty one | Isehara City | 506 items | 100,242 people | 5.05 items |
| twenty two | Miura City | 191 items | 38,209 people | 5.00 items |
| twenty three | Kamakura City | 840 items | 168,737 people | 4.98 items |
| twenty four | Takatsu Ward, Kawasaki City | 1,175 items | 237,948 people | 4.94 items |
| twenty five | Minamiashigara City | 189 items | 38,703 people | 4.88 items |
| 26 | Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City | 1,763 items | 365,516 people | 4.82 items |
| 27 | Konan Ward, Yokohama City | 1,000 items | 208,539 people | 4.80 items |
| 28 | Kanagawa Ward, Yokohama City | 1,200 items | 254,336 people | 4.72 items |
| 29 | Asahi Ward, Yokohama City | 1,105 items | 239,304 people | 4.62 items |
| 30 | Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama City | 976 items | 213,563 people | 4.57 items |
| 31 | Hadano City | 714 items | 160,991 people | 4.44 items |
| 32 | Isogo Ward, Yokohama City | 714 items | 163,626 people | 4.36 items |
| 33 | Izumi Ward, Yokohama City | 654 items | 149,833 people | 4.36 items |
| 34 | Tama Ward, Kawasaki City | 952 items | 230,948 people | 4.12 items |
| 35 | Totsuka Ward, Yokohama City | 1,151 items | 281,058 people | 4.10 items |
| 36 | Asao Ward, Kawasaki City | 734 items | 179,625 people | 4.09 items |
| 37 | Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama City | 819 items | 203,633 people | 4.02 items |
| 38 | Midori Ward, Yokohama City | 720 items | 179,988 people | 4.00 items |
| 39 | Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City | 1,083 items | 271,467 people | 3.99 items |
| 40 | Minami Ward, Yokohama City | 786 items | 198,847 people | 3.95 items |
| 41 | Yokosuka City | 1,348 items | 361,116 people | 3.73 items |
| 42 | Sakae Ward, Yokohama City | 399 items | 118,688 people | 3.36 items |
| 43 | Miyamae Ward, Kawasaki City | 772 items | 235,357 people | 3.28 items |
| 44 | Aoba Ward, Yokohama City | 930 items | 307,343 people | 3.03 items |
| - | Kanagawa Prefecture as a whole | 50,059 items | 9,192,542 people | 5.45 items |
Source: Kanagawa Prefectural Police, "Number of Reported Criminal Offenses by Crime Type and Municipality, Final Figures as of the End of December 2025" / Kanagawa Prefecture, "Population and Households of Kanagawa Prefecture" . The number of cases per 1,000 people was calculated by Cross House by dividing the number of cases in 2025 by the population of Kanagawa Prefecture (estimated as of September 1, 2026) (as of October 2026).
If you want to compare rooms in Kanagawa Prefecture, including the distance from the station and the building's facilities, Cross House can help you find your perfect room, so please feel free to contact us.
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Actual areas that are frequently searched: Wards of Yokohama City, Kawasaki, Sagamihara, Yokosuka, Ayase, Zama, Yamato, Totsuka
Along with searching for "areas I wouldn't want to live in," many people also search for specific place names. We will verify the areas that are frequently searched using the same statistics. The number of cases per town/district (town name/block) is not available in the tables by municipality, so we will look at it at the city and ward level.
Wards in Yokohama City | Nishi Ward and Naka Ward are high, Aoba Ward is low
The number of cases per 1,000 people in Yokohama City's 18 wards varies by more than four times, from 14.18 in Nishi Ward to 3.03 in Aoba Ward. In addition to Nishi Ward and Naka Ward, Tsurumi Ward (5.89 cases) and Kanazawa Ward (5.51 cases) also exceed the prefecture average of 5.45 cases.
The remaining 14 wards had lower figures than the prefecture average, with Aoba Ward (3.03 cases), Sakae Ward (3.36 cases), Minami Ward (3.95 cases), Midori Ward (4.00 cases), and Hodogaya Ward (4.02 cases) being on the lower end. The results for 2025 show that the figures vary greatly from ward to ward in Yokohama City.
The characteristics of each ward in Yokohama City are also introduced in the sections on Yokohama City's safety and livability by area .
Kawasaki City | Kawasaki Ward is high, Miyamae Ward is low
In Kawasaki City's seven wards, Kawasaki Ward stood out with a remarkably high 10.59 cases, followed by Saiwai Ward with 5.93 cases. Nakahara Ward had 3.99 cases, Aso Ward 4.09 cases, Tama Ward 4.12 cases, Takatsu Ward 4.94 cases, while Miyamae Ward had a low figure of 3.28 cases, the lowest among the wards in the prefecture.
Kawasaki Ward includes the commercial area around Kawasaki Station. According to a SUUMO survey, Kawasaki Station ranked 5th among stations in Kanagawa Prefecture. This high ranking and popularity as a desirable place to live coexist within the same ward.
Sagamihara City | All three wards are higher than the prefectural average.
In Sagamihara City, the figures were 6.79 in Chuo Ward, 6.20 in Minami Ward, and 5.95 in Midori Ward, with all three wards exceeding the prefectural average (5.45). The city's overall average of 6.36 is the highest among designated cities.
With a population of approximately 712,000, this city has a large population, and the number of train stations and the overall atmosphere of each district vary. If you're interested in a particular district, it's recommended to walk the route from the station both during the day and at night to get a feel for it.
Yokosuka City | Relatively low compared to other cities in the prefecture
Yokosuka City had 1,348 cases, which is 3.73 cases per capita. This is the fourth lowest among the 44 cities and wards in Kanagawa Prefecture, and is lower than the prefecture's overall average of 5.45 cases.
While many people search for "I don't want to live in Yokosuka," the crime statistics show that the numbers are at a moderate level. Livability depends on how well it suits your daily lifestyle, including factors like the time it takes to commute and the number of hills.
Ayase City | Almost the same as the prefectural average. The only concern is the lack of a train station.
Ayase City had 455 cases, which is 5.50 cases per capita, roughly the same as the prefecture as a whole (5.45 cases). It ranked 17th among the 44 cities and wards.
Ayase City does not have a train station within its own city limits, and the main means of transportation are buses and cars that go to stations in neighboring cities. The reason why people search for "a place they don't want to live" is likely due to the transportation options for commuting to work or school, rather than safety concerns.
Source: Materials from the Planning Division of Ayase City (Event materials from the Cabinet Office's Regional Revitalization Promotion Office) (Materials published in January 2026)
Zama City | Approximately 0.7 cases above the prefectural average
Zama City has 814 cases, or 6.18 cases per capita, which is about 0.7 cases higher than the prefecture average (5.45 cases). It ranks 11th among the 44 cities and wards.
In a city with a population of approximately 132,000, even a single increase or decrease in the number of properties can significantly impact the overall figures. If you're concerned, it's a good idea to walk to the nearest train station or bus stop to the apartment you're interested in at night to get a sense of the area.
Yamato City | The second highest among cities, after Odawara City.
Yamato City has 1,840 cases, or 7.44 cases per capita, which is the second highest number among cities in the prefecture, after Odawara City. Among cities other than designated cities, it also has the second highest number of cases, after Fujisawa City.
Even in cities with high figures, there can be significant regional differences, so the impression can be quite different between areas around train stations and residential neighborhoods. Before deciding on an apartment, try walking from the station both during the day and at night.
Totsuka Ward | Located in the middle of Yokohama City's wards.
Totsuka Ward had 1,151 cases, with a population of approximately 281,000, resulting in 4.10 cases per capita. This is lower than the prefectural average (5.45 cases) and ranked 13th among Yokohama City's 18 wards (6th from the lowest).
The area around Totsuka Station is a bustling town with many people, but in terms of statistics, there is a significant difference compared to the high-performing wards of Yokohama City.
Source: Kanagawa Prefectural Police, "Number of Reported Criminal Offenses by Crime Type and Municipality, Final Figures as of the End of December 2025" / Kanagawa Prefecture, "Population and Households of Kanagawa Prefecture" . The number of cases per 1,000 people was calculated by Cross House by dividing the number of cases in 2025 by the population of Kanagawa Prefecture (estimated as of September 1, 2026) (as of October 2026).
For information on the livability of each ward in Kawasaki City, please also see our overview of Kawasaki City's safety and livability .
By lifestyle | Cities that are not suitable for these types of people
Whether or not you feel you "don't want to live there" is often determined more by how well it suits your lifestyle than by statistical figures. Based on the numbers and characteristics of the towns discussed in this article, we'll summarize the combinations that tend to be incompatible.
| People like this | Tendencies of cities where it is difficult to find a match | Things I want to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| People who value the quietness of the night | Near train stations in wards where people gather around the station, such as Nishi Ward and Naka Ward in Yokohama City, and Kawasaki Ward in Kawasaki City. | Even within the same ward, I'll consider residential areas further from the station as potential locations and check the foot traffic at night. |
| People who commute to work or school without owning a car | A city like Ayase City does not have a train station within its boundaries. | The number of buses to the nearest station and the morning travel time. |
| People who want to shorten their commute time to the city center | Towns in the western part of the prefecture, such as the Miura Peninsula, that are far from the city center. | Number of transfers and time from door to door |
| People who want to make a choice based on numbers | Cities and wards where the number of cases per capita significantly exceeds the prefectural average (5.45 cases). | Let's also compare the wards with a low number of cases (such as Aoba Ward, Miyamae Ward, and Sakae Ward). |
In any city, there are people who will and won't get along with you. Once you've narrowed down your choices to two or three places, the most reliable way to find out is to walk from the station to your room both during the day and at night.
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Based on reviews from residents | "Livability" of towns with a high number of residents
Even in cities with a large number of properties, residents can sometimes rate them highly. Iiheya Net's "Living Comfort" survey is based on responses from people aged 20 and over living in Kanagawa Prefecture about their actual living experience (conducted in February-March 2026, with 13,251 valid responses. The cumulative total from 2019 to 2026 is 63,845 people).
| town | Number of cases per 1,000 people (2025) | Evaluation of Residents and Various Surveys (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Nishi Ward, Yokohama City | 14.18 (1st place) | Ranked 2nd for livability (municipality). Also ranked 2nd for most desirable place to live (municipality). Minatomirai Station is ranked 2nd for livability (station). |
| Naka Ward, Yokohama City | 11.07 (2nd place) | Bashamichi Station ranked 1st in terms of livability (station). It also ranked 3rd in terms of desirable places to live (municipality), tied with Kamakura City. |
| Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City | 10.59 (3rd place) | Kawasaki Station is ranked 5th among stations in Kanagawa Prefecture (27th overall in the Tokyo metropolitan area) on SUUMO. |
| Ebina City | 6.25 (9th place) | Ebina Station is ranked 8th among stations in Kanagawa Prefecture according to SUUMO. It is ranked 5th in Iiheya Net's list of most desirable places to live (stations). |
| Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama City | 4.57 (30th place) | Ranked #1 for livability (municipality) (for the 8th consecutive year). Center Kita Station ranked #3 for livability (station). |
| Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki City | 3.99 (39th place) | Ranked 3rd in livability (municipality). Musashi-Kosugi Station is ranked 2nd among stations in the prefecture according to SUUMO. |
Sources: Iiheya Net City Livability & Desirable City Ranking 2026 <Kanagawa Prefecture Edition> (Daito Kentaku) / SUUMO Desirable City Ranking 2026 Metropolitan Area Edition (Recruit) / Kanagawa Prefectural Police "Number of Reported Criminal Offenses by Crime Type and Municipality, Final Figures as of the End of December 2025" . The number of cases and ranking per capita are the same as in the list above (as of October 2026).
Nishi Ward and Naka Ward, which rank highly, have a large number of cases, but they are also highly rated by residents and those who want to live there. Even if areas that attract people for commerce and tourism have high numbers, it is necessary to consider them separately from their livability.
Conversely, Tsuzuki Ward, which ranked first in livability, and Nakahara Ward, which ranked third, have fewer complaints than the prefectural average. People who prioritize quietness may find it easier to choose a place if they include neighborhoods with fewer complaints in their list of candidates.
If you're unsure whether a quiet residential area or a bustling area near a train station is right for you, Cross House can help you find the perfect place, so please feel free to contact us.
The most livable cities in Kanagawa Prefecture | From the 2026 rankings
In addition to avoiding cities with high scores, it's helpful to also consider cities with many residents who want to live there and cities that have high ratings from current residents, as this will help narrow down your choices. Here are some examples from two surveys published in 2026.
SUUMO's Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026 | Top 10 Train Stations in Kanagawa Prefecture
This is a ranking of train stations in Kanagawa Prefecture based on a survey of people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area (1 prefecture and 4 surrounding prefectures). Yokohama Station has been ranked number one in the entire Tokyo metropolitan area for nine consecutive years.
| Ranking within the prefecture | Station name | Overall ranking of the Tokyo metropolitan area (2026) | Overall ranking of the Tokyo metropolitan area (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st place | Yokohama | 1st place | 1st place |
| 2nd place | Musashi-Kosugi | 13th place | 12th place |
| 3rd place | Kamakura | 14th place | 13th place |
| 4th place | Sakuragicho | 22nd place | 18th place |
| 5th place | Kawasaki | 27th place | 32nd place |
| 6th place | Minato Mirai | 29th place | 31st place |
| 7th place | Fujisawa | 32nd place | 23rd place |
| 8th place | Ebina | 33rd place | 36th place |
| 9th place | Ofuna | 43rd place | 47th place |
| 10th place | Shin-Yokohama | 56th place | 74th place |
Source: SUUMO Most Desirable Places to Live Ranking 2026, Tokyo Metropolitan Area Edition (Recruit) . Web survey of 9,000 residents of the Tokyo metropolitan area (as of February 2026).
Iiheya Net's 2026 Livability Ranking | Kanagawa Prefecture Edition
According to evaluations by residents of Kanagawa Prefecture, the top-ranked municipality for livability was Tsuzuki Ward in Yokohama City (for the eighth consecutive year), followed by Nishi Ward in Yokohama City in second place, and Nakahara Ward in Kawasaki City in third place. Oiso Town in Nakagun rose to seventh place, up from 12th place the previous year.
For livability (station), the top three were Bashamichi (1st), Minato Mirai (2nd), and Center Kita (3rd). Wakabadai, which came in 6th, was excluded from the previous year's survey due to insufficient cumulative responses. For desirable places to live (station), the order was Yokohama, Minato Mirai, Kamakura, Musashi Kosugi, and Ebina.
Source: Iiheya Net's 2026 Ranking of Livability and Desirability of Towns to Live In <Kanagawa Prefecture Edition> (Daito Kentaku) (as of May 2026)
For those who want to see more detailed information on livable cities based on specific purposes, please also check out the Kanagawa Prefecture's Most Desirable Cities Ranking (2026 Edition) . We present the results of three surveys—SUUMO, LIFULL HOME'S, and Iiheya Net—separated by survey.
Once you've decided on a neighborhood you're interested in, Cross House will support you in finding an apartment, so please feel free to contact us.
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FAQ
Q. Which areas in Kanagawa Prefecture are you concerned about regarding safety and security?
According to Kanagawa Prefectural Police statistics for 2025, the highest number of cases per 1,000 people is found in the following order: Nishi Ward, Yokohama City (14.18 cases), Naka Ward, Yokohama City (11.07 cases), Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City (10.59 cases), Odawara City (8.44 cases), and Yamato City (7.44 cases). However, areas with many visitors, such as Yokohama Station, Minato Mirai, and Kawasaki Station, will have higher numbers when divided by the number of residents. Nishi Ward also ranks second in livability (among municipalities), so it is important not to judge solely on the number of cases.
Q. Are there any areas in Kanagawa Prefecture that you shouldn't live in?
There are no areas that can be definitively called "unsuitable to live in" based on statistics or rankings. The number of cases per 1,000 people varies from city to city and ward, ranging from 3.03 (Aoba Ward, Yokohama) to 14.18 (Nishi Ward, Yokohama), but even within the same ward, the atmosphere differs between areas around train stations and residential areas. It's a good idea to walk from the station to your apartment in your prospective neighborhood both during the day and at night to get a feel for the area.
Q. Is Ayase City a difficult place to live?
In 2025, Ayase City had 455 cases, which is 5.50 cases per 1,000 people, roughly the same as Kanagawa Prefecture as a whole (5.45 cases). Since there are no train stations within the city, residents will need to travel to stations in neighboring cities by bus or car, so it's advisable to check your commuting and school transportation options in advance.
Q. How is the safety and security situation in Zama City?
In 2025, Zama City had 814 cases, or 6.18 cases per 1,000 people. This was about 0.7 cases higher than the prefecture as a whole (5.45 cases), placing it 11th among the 44 cities and wards. It is recommended to walk the route from the station or bus stop to your room at night to check it out.
Q. Why is Yokosuka City often said to be a place people don't want to live?
Statistically, Yokosuka City has 3.73 cases per 1,000 people, which is lower than the prefecture average (5.45 cases). The reason for these searches is likely not so much about safety, but rather compatibility with lifestyle factors such as hills and commute time. If you are concerned, check the travel time to your workplace and the elevation difference between the station and your apartment.
Q. How is the safety and security situation in Totsuka Ward?
In 2025, Totsuka Ward had 1,151 cases, which is 4.10 cases per 1,000 people. This is lower than the average for Kanagawa Prefecture as a whole (5.45 cases), and ranked 13th (6th lowest) among the 18 wards of Yokohama City.
Q. How is the public safety in Sagamihara City?
The total number of cases per 1,000 people in Sagamihara City is 6.36, which is higher than Yokohama City (5.04) and Kawasaki City (5.27). Broken down by ward, Chuo Ward had 6.79 cases, Minami Ward had 6.20, and Midori Ward had 5.95, all of which exceeded the Kanagawa Prefecture average (5.45).
Q. Which ward in Yokohama City has the fewest cases?
In 2025, the number of cases decreased in the following order: Aoba Ward (3.03 cases), Sakae Ward (3.36 cases), Minami Ward (3.95 cases), Midori Ward (4.00 cases), and Hodogaya Ward (4.02 cases). The number of cases varies from year to year, so please check the latest figures in the publicly released data each year.
Q. Is it possible to rent a room in Kanagawa Prefecture without a guarantor?
Cross House properties do not require a co-signer. Instead, individual contracts generally require membership in a guarantee company, and an initial guarantee fee and monthly guarantee fees will be charged separately. However, if you pay the full amount, from initial costs to move-out costs, in a lump sum upon moving in, membership in a guarantee company is not required. For more details, please see the FAQ .
summary
In 2025, Kanagawa Prefecture reported 50,059 criminal offenses, or 5.45 cases per 1,000 people. The areas with the highest rates per capita were Nishi Ward and Naka Ward in Yokohama City, and Kawasaki Ward in Kawasaki City, but areas with high population density tend to have higher figures. Some wards, like Nishi Ward, are highly regarded by their residents.
Ayase City is roughly the same as the prefectural average, while Yokosuka City and Totsuka Ward are lower than the prefectural average. Use the statistics and rankings as a guide, and then walk around the city during the day and at night to see if it suits your lifestyle.
If you're looking for a place to live in Kanagawa Prefecture, Cross House can help you find your perfect home, so please feel free to contact us.
