Post-stroke depression is commonly experienced by stroke survivors and has a significant negative impact on the physical, cognitive, and social functioning of those affected. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their associated factors in Chinese stroke patients. Research samples were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2018 survey. Depression was evaluated using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, with a score ≥ 10 defined as depression. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to examine the associations of depressive symptoms with demographics, family relationships, health status, and lifestyle. A total of 963 stroke patients were included and 57.8% of them had depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with female sex (OR 1.762, 95% CI 1.235–2.514), lower education level (non-formal education: OR 2.148, 95% CI 1.235–3.737, primary to secondary school education: OR 1.964, 95% CI 1.272–3.033), dissatisfaction with spouse (OR 1.912, 95% CI 1.075–3.401), dissatisfaction with life (OR 1.779, 95% CI 1.080–2.931), dissatisfaction with health (OR 1.592, 95% CI 1.138–2.226), pain (OR 1.392, 95% CI 1.005–1.928) and abnormal sleep (OR 1.557, 95% CI 1.126–2.152). The findings suggest the need for regular depression screening and evaluation after a stroke, and that a well-functioning support system, effective health management, and lifestyle modifications could potentially improve the mental state of stroke patients.