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To determine the pollution characteristics, chemical compositions, and population health risks of PM_2.5 at different pollution levels, PM_2.5 samples were intensively collected during the long-lasting winter haze episode from 13–23 January 2018 in Xiantao in Jianghan Plain (JHP), central China. The higher PM_2.5 levels during the severe pollution period were dominated by the WNW-NNE air-masses, whereas the lower PM_2.5 concentrations during other pollution periods were mainly affected by the NE, S, and NW air-masses. The NO₃⁻/SO₄²⁻ and OC/EC ratios indicated a mixed contribution of intensive vehicle exhaust and secondary formation. The enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index for assessing the PM_2.5-bound metal(loid)s contamination levels were positively correlated. Ingestion is the dominant exposure pathway of PM_2.5-bound metal(loid)s for children and adults, followed by inhalation and dermal contact. As, Cr, and Pb may pose carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, whereas Sb and V may only pose non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults. The population health risks may not depend on the pollution levels but depend on the PM_2.5-bound metal(loid)s concentrations. PM_2.5-bound metal(loid)s may pose much higher population health risks for adults compared to children. More attentions should be paid to the population health risks of PM_2.5-bound metal(loid)s during a long-lasting winter haze episode in JHP.