Objective  To investigate the mental health status of orphans aged 7-12 in Urumqi so as to provide a scientific basis for carrying out psychological counseling in orphans. Methods  A cross-sectional survey using self-constructed questionnaire and mental health rate scale for pupils (MHRSP) was performed in orphans aged 7-12 (66 cases) and non-orphans matched by age(145 cases). Results  The deviation rate of MHRSP total score in the orphan group (7.58%) was significantly higher than that in the non-orphan group (0.69%). The deviation rates of dimensions except for the learning disability and bad habits were statistically significant between the two groups (P<0.05). The scores of orphans on learning disabilities，mood disorders，character defects，social adjustment disorders，moral defects，bad habits，behavioral disorders and special disorders were higher than those of  non-orphans，so was the MHRSP total score (P<0.05). The scores of orphans in grades 1 to 3 （low grades） on dimensions including mood disorders，character defects，social adjustment disorders，moral defects，behavioral disorders and special disorders as well as MHRSP total score were significantly higher than those of non-orphans in grades 1-3 (P<0.05). However，there was no significant difference in the scores on learning disabilities，and bad habits between low-grade orphans and non-orphans (P>0.05). The scores of orphans in grades 4 to 6 ( senior grades) on learning disability，social adjustment disorders ,moral defects，behavioral disorders as well as MHRSP total score were significantly higher than those of non-orphans in senior grades (P<0.05)，while the scores on mood disorders，character defects，bad habits and special disorders were of no difference (P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in personality type and peer relationship between orphans and non-orphans (P<0.05). Conclusion  The mental health level of 7-12 year old orphans in Urumqi is lower than that of non-orphans，with a higher detection rate for mental health deviation. There are differences in personality characteristics and peer relationship between orphans and non-orphans. Psychological differences are seen between low-grade and senior- grade orphans. There is a need to provide orphans with individual psychological counseling. For low-grade orphans，it is important to cultivate orphans' good psychological quality and improve self-awareness. For senior-grade orphans，attention should be paid to their differences in personality，and development of an equal communication platform，which may provide them with opportunities to know themselves，treat themselves well，and surpass themselves.