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Abstract Background Insulin resistance (IR) is an important risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis. This study evaluated the relationship between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, which is a simple and reliable surrogate marker for IR, and arterial stiffness. Methods This study included 2560 Korean subjects without a previous history of coronary artery disease, stroke, and malignancies who participated in a community-based cohort study. Arterial stiffness was measured using the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Results All participants were stratified into four groups based on the quartile of the TyG index. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes significantly increased with increasing TyG index quartile. The mean baPWV was significantly different among all groups (group I [lowest]: 1421 ± 242 vs. group II: 1480 ± 244 vs. group III: 1534 ± 260 vs. group IV [highest]: 1575 ± 279 cm/s; p < 0.001). The TyG index values were correlated with baPWV (r = 0.224, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that age (β = 0.410), male gender (β = 0.051), increased blood pressure (β = 0.266), and TyG index (β = 0.158) were associated with baPWV (p < 0.05, respectively). TyG index was independently related to baPWV in both non-diabetics and diabetics. Conclusions The TyG index is independently associated with arterial stiffness in a relatively healthy Korean population.