Abstract: Understanding about spatial distribution characteristics and mechanism of rural settlements in the geographical units around the Yellow River floodplain area helps to implement differentiated management of rural spaces. Firstly, the spatial agglomeration characteristics of rural settlements in the area around the floodplain area are described with the help of spatial measurement indicators. Then use the geographic detector tool to analyze the explanatory power of natural geographical environment and social regional environment on the spatial distribution of rural settlements. Finally, use TWINSPAN clustering method for reference to explore the development direction of rural areas in the future spatial reconstruction. The results show that:The rural settlements around the Yellow River floodplain area have the spatial distribution characteristics of aggregation, and generally show three groups of concentrated and contiguous spatial distribution patterns. The spatial distribution of rural settlements around the Yellow River floodplain area has the characteristics of aggregation, showing three groups of concentrated and continuous spatial distribution. The spatial density core of rural settlements shows obvious ‘water body-oriented’, and under the influence of socio-economic factors, it forms three kinds of spatial relationships, such as distribution around the regional central city, distribution within the regional county-level city, and independent distribution. Based on the seven environmental characteristics, four types of rural settlements can be coupled and clustered in the surrounding area of the Yellow River floodplain area, corresponding to four main development directions:agglomeration promotion, suburban integration, characteristic protection, and general survival. This research can provide a direct basis for the policymaking of rural settlement developed around the Yellow River floodplain area at the spatial level.