Abstract: Based on the spatial equilibrium urban economic model，this paper examines the effect of city shape compactness on economic development in 279 primary Chinese prefecturelevel cities The findings suggest that compact urban development not only promotes economic growth and increases wage levels but also might lead to rising housing prices This indicates that a more compact urban form fosters economic development and enhances the return rate of factors To delve deeper into this relationship，this paper also conducts heterogeneity and robustness analyses，taking into account factors such as the initial conditions of cities，administrative levels，population migration trends，and geographical location This paper further underscores that enhancing city compactness is an effective measure to improve factor allocation efficiency，optimize the urbanization process and foster economic growth

Key words: city footprint, urban spatial shape, compactness, economic development

摘要： 基于空间均衡的城市经济模型，本文考察了中国279个地级及以上城市的紧凑度对经济发展的影响。研究发现，城市的紧凑发展不仅能促进经济增长和提高工资水平，同时也可能导致房价上涨。这表明，更为紧凑的城市形状促进了经济发展并提高了要素的回报率。为了深入研究这一关系，本文还根据城市的初始条件、行政等级、人口变动趋势和地理位置等因素，进行了异质性和稳健性分析。本文进一步指出，提高城市的紧凑度是提高要素配置效率、优化城市化进程和促进经济发展的有效路径。

关键词: 城市足迹, 城市空间形状, 紧凑度, 经济发展