[Objective] The changes and driving factors of the suitability of human settlement on the temporal and spatial scale were studied in order to provide theoretical basis for urban construction and improvement of living environment.[Methods] Jiangsu Province was selected as the research object. An evaluation index system composed of four dimensions:social

economic

ecological

and construction environment was constructed

and entropy

trend analysis

and geographical detector methods were used to quantitatively evaluate the suitability of living environment in 65 counties in Jiangsu Province in 2009

2013

and 2017.[Results] ① The spatial differentiation of the suitability of human settlements in Jiangsu Province was significant

and was overall "locally contiguous" with a gradual decline from south to north. In terms of spatial change

the spatial stratification degree of the suitability of living environment declined significantly from south to north

and the trend of the contiguous distribution in the medium-high level

medium level

and low-level areas weakened. ② The average score and variation coefficient of the suitability of living environment in Jiangsu Province in 2009

2013

and 2017 were 0.432

0.475

0.494 and 0.179

0.192

0.165

respectively. The score of suitability of living environment increased in 95.38% counties

and the regional difference in residential environment decreased at the end of the study. During the study period

the suitability of the living environment of the counties in Southern Jiangsu Province was relatively stable

while that of the counties in Middle and Northern Jiangsu Province fluctuated significantly. ③ Geographical exploration showed that the economic

social

and construction environment was the main driving factor behind the evolution of the suitability of living settlements in Jiangsu Province

while ecological environment was the secondary driving factor.[Conclusion] To improve the living environment

Jiangsu Province should expand the economic scale

stimulate the consumption level

promote the economic development and equalization. Meanwhile

the government should strengthen the construction of living environment by alleviating the aging crisis

strengthening the flow of regional population and resources

reducing the discharge of industrial pollutants

and improving the air quality.