Abstract: The population problem has become a focus for revitalizing the old industrial base in Northeast China. Utilizing the gray relative analysis method (GRA) and building quantitative assessment models, we study the spatial-temporal coupling characteristics between population structure and economic development in Northeast China. Research results are given as follows. In the spatial sequence, there are clear differences in the coupling degree between population structure and economic development among the cities. In terms of the coupling characteristics and the coupling degree value, the 36 cities are classified into four types, namely, low-level，antagonism, running-in, and high-level types. The major type is the antagonism, followed by running-in type. In the temporal sequence, there are two significant periods. From 2004 to 2009 the coupling degree rose with fluctuat, and from 2010 to 2013 the coupling degree fell down quickly. According to the spatial-temporal coupling characteristics, countermeasures such as optimizing and upgrading the industrial structure, attracting talents, cultivating talents, and retaining talents enhance the coordinated developments of population and economy, and promote the revitalization of Northeast China.

Key words: population structure, economic development, spatial-temporal coupling, gray relative analysis method, Northeast China