[Objective] The temporal and spatial variation characteristics and their the influencing factors of cultivated land conversion in Yan'an City from 2000 to 2020 were analyzed in order to provide a theoretical basis for policy-making regarding cultivated land protection and prevention of farmland conversion.[Methods] Land-use and land-cover change data for 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2020 were analyzed to reveal the degree and causes of non-agriculturalization in the Loess Plateau. The research was carried out by using the methods of kernel density estimation and geodetector.[Results] ① From 2000 to 2020, the non-agricultural area of cultivated land in Yan'an City changed following a pattern of increase-decrease-increase. The total non-agricultural area was 7 865.28 hectares, and the non-agricultural conversion rate of cultivated land was 8.45%. ② From 2000 to 2020, cultivated land conversion in Yan'an City was mainly located along the river valleys of the Luohe River and the Yanhe River. The non-agricultural conversion of cultivated land was concentrated in the central and southern regions, with a maximum kernel density of 155.03 located near Yan'an New City, Baota District. The sub-concentration areas of non-agricultural cultivated land were Huangling County and Luochuan County, with maximum kernel densities of 75.95 and 51.77, respectively. ③ The phenomenon of non-agriculturalization of cultivated land in Yan'an City mainly occurred in areas with low slope, medium altitude, and low topographic index. ④ The most important factors affecting the conversion of cultivated land in Yan'an City were urban population, registered population, and gross domestic product, with explanation rates of 68.65%, 68.45%, and 66.54%, respectively.[Conclusion] The phenomenon of cultivated land conversion in Yan'an City from 2000 to 2020 was significant. The temporal changes were volatile, and the spatial heterogeneity was strong due to the comprehensive effects of nature, population, and social economy.