Objective To investigate the actuality and risk factors of mild cognitive impairment among the elderly in Xi'an. Methods The elderly from 10 urban communities in Xi'an were selected using random cluster sample method. Mini-Mental Status Examination and cognitive function questionnaire self-designed were assessed. Results and Conclusion There were 396 (25.02%) elder people with cognitive impairment in 1583 cases. The morbidity of mild cognitive impairment was inverse to the educational level, and was related to age, gender, job category, marriage and social support (P<0.05).