Objectives  The spatial optimization and reconstruction of rural settlement is one of the important content of promoting rural revitalization. Through livability and population flow analysis, to scientifically reconstruct rural settlement and optimize spatial allocation.

  Methods  Starting with the basic needs of life, this paper takes Ezhou City as study area, builds a livability evaluation index system and evaluates the livability level of Ezhou City. We construct rural-urban population flow network through network analysis method and find the pattern of rural population flow, and integrate the combined characteristics of livability and the intensity of population flow to reconstruct rural settlement.

  Results  The experimental results show that: (1)Overall, the livability of Ezhou City is relatively high. There is a small gap in survival guarantee function, while there are large gaps in life service function and life improvement function.(2)The population flows according to the priority order of the main urban area, the subordinate towns, and nearby advantageous towns. The radiation range of town is limited, and the existing point-axis structure cannot function well. It is urgent to develop central villages, general villages and basic villages to form a complete rural structure to drive region‐wide development.(3)Based on the livability and the intensity of population flow, rural settlements are divided into the type of relocation and demolition, the type of suburban integration and the type of agglomeration promotion (central village, general village and basic village).

  Conclusions  The results facilitate to reshape the core of rural and complete the rural structure to promote the optimal allocation of resources. This paper will provide a decision-making basis for the reconstruction of rural settlement where population flows rapidly.