Entropy method, coupling coordination model, standard deviation ellipse model, spatial autocorrelation, etc., were used to measure the coupling coordination degree of social security and economic development in China from 2002-2017, and examine its spatio-temporal differentiation. At the same time, the influence degree and driving force were analyzed by grey correlation degree model and Pearson correlation coefficient. The results show that: (1) in terms of time series, the coupling coordination between social security and economic development in China is increasing, but lags behind the development of social security and the economy. The average annual coupling degree of the four major regions is Eastern region > Northeast region > Central region > Western region. (2) As for spatial aspects, the pattern of coupling and coordination between social security and economic development is solidified and dynamically changing, mainly due to the alternation of general maladjustment and forced coupling and coordination, and its spatial distribution has a tendency of aggregation. (3) In terms of driving force, five factors, namely, per capita disposable income of urban residents, per capita net income of rural residents, per capita GDP, urbanization rate and employment number of private economy, are the important driving forces of the coupling and coordination pattern of social security and economic development.