Objective To investigate the correlation of waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) with hypertension among the residents living in Hubei Province. Methods A stratified multi-stage random sampling was carried out to subject 20 539 individuals (>15 years old) from 5 urban and 5 rural areas of Hubei Province. Their general information and clinical data were collected through physical examination and questionnaires. Results There was signficant difference in the incidence of hypertension between men and women (P<0.05). Among those older than 60 years, the incidence of hypertension was increased with aging, and with obvious difference in those of 60-69, 70-79 and 80-89 years old (P<0.05). The incidences of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, overweight with abdominal obesity were higher in the hypertensive group than in the non-hypertensive group (P<0.05). Age, sex, basic metabolism, systolic blood pressure (SBP), body fat percentage and visceral fat index were risk factors for BMI. For the males, basic metabolism, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body fat percentage and visceral fat index were risk factors for central obesity, but age was its protective factor. For the females, DBP, age, basic metabolism, body fat percentage and visceral fat index were risk factors for central obesity. Conclusion The situation of overweight and obesity is very serious in Hubei Province. Waist circumference and BMI are closely associated with hypertension.