Objective To study the epidemic situation and associated risk factors of hypertension among the empty-nest elderly in Shangha of community. Methods Using pure random sampling method, a face-to-face questionnaire survey and the blood pressure measuring of the empty-nest elderly aged 60-year-old or above in the two communities of Shanggang were performed by trained investigators. Results There are 634 empty-nest elderlies in the two communities. The prevalence rate of hypertension was 51.7% in the subjects. The associated risk factors of hypertension among the empty-nest elderly include smoking, drinking, excess salt diet, lacking of sports and family history of hypertension. There was significant difference between the groups of hypertension and non-hypertension in the distribution of keeping healthy behaviors. The rate of awareness, management and control were 62. 8% ,49. 2%, and 28.7% respectively in the hypertension subjects. Conclusion The prevalence rate of hypertension among the empty-nest elderly is high, Public health education programs, multiple prevention and intervention measures of hypertension should be strengthened among the empty-nest elderly.