Spatial Characteristics and Factors Influencing the Rural Development Level of Chinese Counties on the Basis of Point Data

Measuring the rural development level of counties is helpful for identifying regional differences and proposing targeted strategies. In this study, 44,743-point data were selected from 17 types of rural lists in China, and a four-dimensional indicator system was constructed following the “point-to-area” principle, to analyse the spatial differentiation and factors influencing rural development levels. The results reveal that the characteristic points of rural development present a “polarized” pattern along the Hu Huanyong Line, with four agglomeration cores in Southeast China. The third quadrant, delineated by the Hu Huanyong Line and the Botai Line, has the lowest rural development level. Meanwhile, the eastern coastal area and the northern coastal area lead in average rural development level among eight socioeconomic zones. Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai have either the highest or second highest levels in overall and dimensional development, whereas Tibet has the lowest level. Moreover, the cultural level in most counties remains at a relatively low level or below. The key factors influencing this pattern include the natural environment and economic production, especially river density, cultural resources, and general public budget expenditure per capita. This study deepens the understanding of rural development, aiming to inform global sustainable rural development assessment.