[Objective] To analyze the consolidation potential and capacity of rural residential land at a small scale in order to provide references for the rural residential land consolidation.[Methods] Taking 25 administrative villages in Weiyuan County, Gansu Province as the research objects, we estimated the consolidation potential and capability of rural resident. The land use data surveyed in 2010 was collected, the analytical hierarchy process and clustering analysis method was used, and ArcGIS software was employed.[Results] The consolidation potentiality area in Qingyuan Town was 330.063 hm². Under the concept of ecological civilization, 8 indicators covering ecological conditions, production conditions and living conditions were selected to construct the modified index system. The consolidation capability showed that the potential consolidation area was 186.561 hm², and the potential release level was 56.52%. Among the 25 villages, the consolidation potentiality in Shangmo village was the greatest, while the consolidation potentiality in Beiguan, Kezhai and Qinwang villages was the least.[Conclusion] According to the consolidation potentiality and correction coefficient, the consolidation capability of rural residential can be divided into 4 modes, including retained mode, merged mode, reduction mode and agglomeration mode.