Objective To understand the current situation of the knowledge level of the six types of health problems in Hefei residents, and explore the ways and methods to improve the literacy level of the residents in Hefei, so as to provide the basis for making and evaluating the health literacy policy and intervention measures of Hefei residents. Methods A stratified random cluster sampling method was used to investigate the health literacy questionnaire among 1350 residents aged 15-69 years in the streets and towns of 5 counties in Hefei. Results Among the 1350 people surveyed, the health literacy level of the residents was 11.4%. The basic level of having basic knowledge, healthy lifestyle and behavior were 34.1%, 29.6% and 16.4%. The level of 6 health literacy from high to low was 58.6% of scientific view of health, 42.9% of safety and emergency, 35.9% of prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, 26.5% of health information, 22.6% of prevention and control of chronic diseases, 11.5% of basic medical. There was a significant difference in health literacy between urban and rural residents (P<0.01). There was a significant difference between the residents with high education level and low education level (P<0.01). There was a significant difference in the level of health literacy among older citizens and those with higher age(P<0.05). Conclusion The health literacy levels of Hefei residents was not high. We should strengthen the basic medical treatment, chronic disease prevention, and health information literacy to improve the awareness of basic medical care, prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and health information literacy among the residents of the whole city.