Abstract: Based on the interviews and questionnaires to the areas inhabited by the minority nationalities in Xiangxi autonomous region, this article analyses empirically the poverty vulnerability of 6 villages in Xiangxi autonomous region through principal component analysis method and cluster analysis method. The results show that relatively backward economic situation, imperfect social security system and harsh natural environment were main factors to households’ poverty vulnerability in the areas inhabited by the minority nationalities of Xiangxi autonomous region. There are great differences between these households in different areas in capability of shielding against risks. So, we should change the model of poverty alleviation and development in Xiangxi autonomous region and carry out development type and participatory poverty alleviation project. To improving households’ capability of shielding against risks, it is suggested that: first, innovating poverty detection model and establishing the dynamic monitoring model of the poverty alleviation; second, balancing urban and rural development and achieving equalization of public service resources; third, promoting ecological poverty alleviation plan to prevent environment deterioration; forth, making targeted poverty alleviation policy according to the regional development characteristics.