[Objective] The relief degree of land surface(RDLS) is one of the key factors that influence the population distribution and economic development. Investigation about the pattern changes of population distribution and economic development is of importance to give a quantified prospective harmonization of population, resources utilization and environment conservation. [Methods] The RDLS of Jiangxi Province was extracted based on a 90 m resolution digital elevation model(DEM) using focal function under ArcGIS software, and then the features of RDLS, and its correlation with population and GDP were analyzed. [Results] (1) The RDLS in Jiangxi Province was prevailed by low value, e. g. 88% counties less than 0.5. Spatially, the outliers of Jiangxi Province had higher RDLS with the exceptions of the central and north parts, showing a "U" shape of pattern. (2) Overall, the concentration degrees of population and GDP were larger in the north and smaller in the south of this province. Spatially, the population in this province clearly assembled in the north with flat relief pattern. The province's GDP continuously concentrated in the Poyang Lake Ecologic Economic Zone. (3) During 2000 to 2010, population concentration degree increased from 59.23% to 60.47%, accordingly economic degree increased from 72.80% to 75.49% in the regions with the RDLS less than 0.25. [Conclusion] There was a strong negative correlation between the RDLS and the distribution of population and economy. As the RDLS increased, the concentration degrees of population and economy declined, and vise verse.