Objective This study aims to investigate the scale and spatial evolution characteristics of rural settlements in the Luoxiao Mountain area and clarify the main driving factors of their spatial pattern evolution, thereby providing a scientific basis for optimizing the spatial layout of rural settlements. Methods Based on multi-source data of Le′an County, Jiangxi Province, including land use, elevation, and river systems, the spatial pattern evolution characteristics of rural settlements were analyzed using the average nearest neighbor method, landscape pattern index, kernel density analysis, hot and cold spot analysis, and standard deviation ellipse method. The driving factors of the spatial pattern evolution of rural settlements were identified using the geodetector. Results From 2000 to 2020, the number and scale of rural settlements in Le′an County increased significantly, with the number and area increasing by 55.63% and 84%, respectively. The spatial distribution of rural settlements remained significantly clustered, with the average nearest neighbor index ranging from 0.325 to 0.359. The distribution of hot and cold spots of rural settlements was generally stable, showing the characteristics of “hot spot diffusion and cold spot solidification”. The overall spatial structure tended to be stable, with the center of gravity shifting slightly toward the southeast. The slope factor in the natural environment significantly affected the evolution of the settlement spatial pattern. Socioeconomic factors exerted a stronger effect, while geographical locational factors had a relatively weaker driving force. Moreover, significant interactions were detected among different factors. Conclusion After the construction of new rural areas and targeted poverty alleviation initiatives, the scale of rural settlements in the Luoxiao Mountain area has increased significantly, while maintaining significant spatial clustering. Natural geographical factors, locational factors, and socioeconomic factors have varying degrees of influence on the evolution of the spatial pattern of rural settlements.
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