Identification of Shrinking Cities on the Main Island of Taiwan Based on Census Data and Population Registers: A Spatial Analysis

At the end of 20th century, phenomenon urban shrinkage received widespread attention, with population decline as its core characteristic. In 2020, Taiwanese had negative growth and faced a low fertility rate an aging population. This study used exploratory spatial data analysis to identify shrinking cities in Taiwan based on census registers. The results indicated that has 11 counties 202 towns. Urban occurred 1980s continued from suburbanization stage re-urbanization stage. Five types patterns were observed. majority counties, towns high densities unable avoid shrinkage. A global autocorrelation non-shrinkage have become increasingly apparent at town level since 2005. local indicates clustering or 2000 2020 changed. Based each town’s development, two-step cluster was conducted which all divided into four categories. Shrinking exist category, but different proportion. combined analysis, this discovered both urbanization cause Taiwan, affected localities are distinct. For most their model relationship between Keelung City Chiayi potential reverse helps authorities better manage implement regional revitalization.