To assess heavy metal pollution and human health risks, 481 samples from 59 soil sampling points were collected from different soil layers at an underground depth of 10 m in a tin ore area in Yunnan, China. The soil around the mining area was polluted by heavy metals to varying degrees, and high concentrations of Cd, Pb, As, and Cu posed serious ecological risks. Owing to leaching and infiltration of heavy metals, the lower soil samples were also severely polluted as much as the surface soil. The heavy metals mainly accumulated in the soil layers at depths of 0 − 6 m. Meanwhile, the concentration decreased with an increase in soil depth, after which it stabilised. Residents of the area are currently at danger of being diagnosed with non-carcinogenic disorders, while exhibiting a significantly elevated risk of carcinogenicity; children are at a higher risk than adults. In addition, As was the primary threatening factor to the health of residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]