Objective To understand the community structure, population density, and seasonality of rodents by analyzing the rodent surveillance data in Panzhihua, China from 2008 to 2012 and to provide a scientific basis for rodent control in Panzhihua. Methods The rodent population density was monitored by night trapping once every month in the residential area, special environment, and rural areas. Results The average annual rodent population density in Panzhihua from 2008 to 2012 was 0.74%; the highest density (0.86%) was observed in 2009 and the lowest in 2012, exhibiting a generally decreasing trend year by year. Mus musculus was the dominant species, accounting for 54.94% of all captured rodents, followed by Rattus norvegicus and Apodemus agrarius. The female to male ratio of rodents was 1.10∶1. The highest average annual rodent population density (1.20%) was observed in the special industry, and the rodents from the special industry accounted for 54.58% of all captures. The peak of rodent activity was during June to August, and the rodents in the three months accounted for 40.29% of all captures. Conclusion The rodent population density and its seasonality in Panzhihua have been well unbderstood. Integrated control measures are recommended, and rodent control and deratization should be carried out especially during June to August; the long term surveillance of rodents should be strengthened continuously, scientifically, and specifically, in order to reduce the incidence of rodent-borne diseases.