In order to study the pollution characteristics and health risks of metal elements in atmospheric PM_2.5 in Huaxi District, Guiyang, the PM_2.5 samples were collected from Guizhou University, Biyunwo, and Zhongyuan Village in the area from December 2022 to January 2023. The enrichment factor method,Positive Matrix Factorization model(PMF) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency health risk assessment model were used for comprehensive analysis. The results showed that the average concentrations of metal elements in atmospheric PM_2.5 at the three sites were(2.2±0.4),(2.5±0.7), and(2.4±0.5)μg/m³, respectively. The average concentration of metal elements from high to low is as follows: Ca,K,Fe,Al,Mg,Na,Zn,Mn,Pb,Ti,Cr,Ba,Cu,Sb,As,Sr,Ni,Se,Cd,Mo,V,Co,Ag,Pd. The enrichment factor analysis manifested that Fe, Ti and V were mainly derived from natural sources, while Na, Mn, Co, etc, were mainly influenced by both natural and anthropogenic sources. Ca, Cr, Zn, etc. are mainly affected by anthropogenic sources. The PMF analysis results indicate that the contribution rates of pollution sources are industrial sources(36.1%), coal-fired sources(31.3%), dust sources(21.2%), and transportation sources(11.4%). Health risk assessment analysis showed that the non-carcinogenic exposure risk values of Mn, Cr, Co, etc. are all below the safety threshold, indicating negligible the non-carcinogenic risk to humans. Cr and As are key factors in carcinogenic risk and require special attention. The risk intensity was highest in Zhongyuan Village, followed by Biyunwo, and lowest at Guizhou University, and adult males have a higher risk than females and children.