Abstract: ObjectiveTo analyze the life expectancy and leading causes of death of residents in Zhaoqing.MethodsThrough investigating the missing reports, the missed rate of death was obtained to calculate the adjusted mortality rate for each age group. A brief life table was formulated using the method recommended by the World Health Organization and the leading causes of death of residents in Zhaoqing City were analyzed.ResultsFrom 2012 to 2014, the under-reporting investigation of death among residents in Zhaoqing were 1 583, with 189 deaths failed to report. The average death rate of failing to report was 11.94%, the average crude death rate was 591.98 per 100 000. the average adjusted death rate was 672.24 per 100 000, and the adjusted life expectancy was 78.37 years. The average adjusted mortality rate was 756.37 per 100 000 and the average adjusted life expectancy was 75.40 years for males, and the average adjusted mortality rate was 584.40 per 100 000 and the average adjusted life expectancy was 81.59 years for females. The average adjusted mortality rate was 563.90 per 100 000 and the adjusted average life expectancy was 80.00 years in urban areas, and the average adjusted death rate was 771.86 per 100 000 and the adjusted average life expectancy was 77.13 years in rural areas. The annual average adjusted mortality rate of all age groups showed a “√” trend. The top five causes of death were respiratory diseases, malignant tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, heart diseases, and injury and poisoning.ConclusionThere is under-reporting cases of death. Deaths caused by chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, malignant tumors, and injuries are important factors affecting the life expectancy of residents in Zhaoqing. It is suggested that chronic diseases and injuries should be considered as the focus of disease prevention and control in Zhaoqing.