The Impact of the Rural–Urban Migration of Chinese Farmers on the Use of Rural Homesteads: A Threshold Model Analysis

China’s urbanisation process is unique compared to that of other developed economies in while the rural population migrating cities large numbers, area homestead use also continues increase. This research uses macro data and a threshold model further analyse this phenomenon “farmers leaving increasing”. Specifically, we focus on mechanisms action, development patterns regional differences impact rate rural–urban migration (RRUM) increase homesteads (IARH), discuss spatial spillover effects between two. The results show that: (1) There an “inverted U-shaped” double effect RRUM IARH. (2) Rural density urban–rural income disparity are used as variables, respectively, resulting sudden change relationship (3) IARH mainly exists central western regions, non-minority nationality areas, non-provincial capital non-resource-based cities. (4) can not only directly affect local IARH, but indirectly surrounding areas through effects. Our provides critical insights for policy makers reform system strategies different regions.