[Objective] To study the trends of mortality rate of esophageal cancer of residents in Yancheng city from 1987 to 2007, and provide a scientific basis for preventing and controlling cancer. [Methods] The death registry data were collected and the mortality of injure in monitoring post of Yancheng from 1987 to 2007 were analyzed, and the trends in different year were analyzed by Joinpoint regression model. [Results] A total of 6 502 cases died from esophageal cancer in monitoring post of Yancheng from 1987 to 2007. The crudely mortality rate was 41.76 per 100 000. The rate of esophageal cancer of man was 50.33 per 100 000, and was 32.85 per 100 000 (P﹤0.05) in woman. In 1987, the crudely mortality rate of esophageal cancer was 44.22 per 100 000, and the standard mortality rate was 47.84 per 100 000, the rates descend to 37.26 and 33.04 per 100 000 in 2007. From 1987 to 1998, the trend of mortality rate in mail was raised, and declined from 1998 to 2001, then rose again in 2007. In women, the rate rose from 1987 to 1995, and then declined in 2007. [Conclusion] The level of mortality rate of esophageal cancer was higher in Yancheng residents. From 1987 to 2007, the trend of rate was decline but the rate in males raise again in 2007. So the esophageal cancer is one of the most important reasons harmed for the people.