In order to investigate objectively and deeply the laws and characteristics of coal mine roof accidents in China, using mathematical statistics, origin mapping, significance test and iterative cluster analysis, the data of roof accidents published by the National Coal Mine Administration and Coal mine Safety Net from 2016 to 2022 were analyzed and discussed. The analysis shows that: Jiangxi, Sichuan and Shanxi provinces are the areas with the highest frequency of roof accidents and the highest number of deaths, accounting for 29.8% and 27.1% of the country, respectively, and should focus on prevention and control; Illegal risky operation is the main cause of roof accidents, and natural factors will aggravate the severity of accidents. In terms of specific time period, the roof accidents are more frequent in 1-2 hours before and after the shift. In terms of time distribution, March and May to August were the months with high incidence of accidents. The number of roof accidents in mid and deep Wells and deep Wells mining area has increased and accounted for more than 60%. The outdated support method and insufficient material hardness have caused many accidents, and the natural factors are more prominent. Meanwhile, it is necessary to strengthen the knowledge learning of management personnel. We should attach great importance to roof management under deep mining, adapt to the intelligent era, and develop a full-cycle safety management system.