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Introduction: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between perceived stress and cognitive decline. However, it remains unknown whether high levels of perceived stress can result in motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome. This study investigated the relationship between perceived stress and MCR in a community-based population. Methods: The study cohort comprised 852 elderly individuals from the Rugao Longitudinal Aging Cohort. Perceived stress was assessed using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), while MCR was defined as the coexistence of subjective memory complaints (SMCs) and slow gait speed. Results: The average age of the study participants is 79.84 ± 4.34 years. The mean score of PSS-10 among participants is 10.32 (range = 0–33; [SD] = 5.71), with a median score of 10.00 (6.00, 14.00). The prevalence of MCR is 9.3%. In the logistic regression analysis, for each 1-SD (5.71) increase in the global PSS-10 score, the risk of MCR increased by 40% (95% CI 1.09–1.80). Additionally, in the aspect of two components of MCR, with a 1-SD increase (5.71) in the global PSS-10 score, there was a 50% (95% CI 1.29–1.75) increase in the risk of SMCs and a 27% (95% CI 1.04–1.55) increase in the risk of slow gait speed. In terms of specific walking speed, there was a reverse correlation between the global PSS-10 score and walking speed (r = −0.14, p <0.001). Conclusions: This study provided preliminary evidence that high levels of perceived stress were associated with the risk of MCR in a community-dwelling population. Plain Language Summary: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between perceived stress and cognitive decline. However, it remains unknown whether high levels of perceived stress can result in motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome. Perceived stress has been defined as the result of a series of environmental events and demands (stressors) perceived by an individual as exceeding their subjective capacity to cope. MCR syndrome is a novel pre-dementia syndrome consisting of subjective memory complaints (SMCs) and slow gait speed. MCR syndrome is a public health problem with a prevalence of 6.3–9.6% in community-dwelling elderly populations in different countries. It is important to identify and treat risk factors for MCR. This will help prevent MCR in order to prevent dementia at an early stage. This study investigated the relationship between perceived stress and MCR in a community-based population. The study cohort comprised 852 elderly individuals from the Rugao Longitudinal Aging Cohort. Perceived stress was assessed using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), while MCR was defined as the coexistence of SMCs and slow gait speed. In conclusion, we discovered a significant association between high levels of perceived stress and an increased risk of MCR among individuals aged 70 and older in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]