Abstract: The county competitiveness level in Dabie Mountain area was comprehensively measured, and the weaknesses in the county competitiveness were clarified, aiming to provide references for finding the poverty alleviation focuses. The regional growth, industrial structure and competitiveness of Dabie Mountain area were analyzed by shift-share analysis, the county competitiveness index system was established, and the county competitiveness was evaluated and sorted. The results showed that the county competitiveness was the most important factor restricting the regional economic development. The Dabie Mountain area had weak competitiveness in 5 principal components of finance and monetary, economic aggregate, rural life, industrial structure benefit and lives of urban residents. Based on the specific situation of each county’s weak competitiveness, we propose suggestions on targeted poverty alleviation like improving the lives of residents and narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, adjusting the industrial structure, coordinating the development of various types of education, formulating fiscal policies and expanding financing channels, establishing inter-provincial coordination mechanisms and enhancing innovation.