Objective: To investigate the association between fatty liver index (FLI) and prevalence of microalbuminuria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 4 012 subjects aged 40 years or older in Songnan Community, Shanghai was conducted in 2009. Questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were collected, and microalbuminuria and the FLI were determined. The association between FLI and microalbuminuria was analyzed. Results: Among the 3 415 subjects in the current analysis, the prevalence of microalbuminuria increased with increase of the FLI. The corresponding prevalence of microalbuminuria were 6.86%, 10.99% and 15.28% in low FLI group(FLI<30), intermediate FLI group(30≤FLI<60) and the high FLI group(FLI≥60), respectively (P<0.000 1). After adjustment for age, sex, smoking status, current drinking, physical activity, systolic blood pressure, diabetes and total cholesterol, the high FLI group was associated with 58% increased risk of microalbuminuria compared with the low FLI group (OR=1.58, 95% CI 1.17-2.15, P=0.003 2). In the same adjusting model,the risk in prevalence of microalbuminuria increased 10% for each 10 unit increase in FLI (OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.15, P=0.000 2). Conclusions: FLI increas is associated with increased risk of microalbuminuria in subjects aged 40 years or older in Songnan Community, Shanghai.