A method and an apparatus for detecting an interest degree of a crowd in a target position are disclosed. The interest degree detection method includes projecting a depth image obtained by photographing onto a height-top-view, the depth image including the crowd and the target position; dividing the height-top-view into cells; determining density of the crowd in each cell; determining a moving speed and a moving direction of the crowd in each cell; determining orientation of the crowd in each cell; and determining, based on the density, the moving speed, the moving direction and the orientation of the crowd, the interest degree of the crowd in each cell in the target position. According to this method, the interest degree of the crowd in the target position can be detected accurately, even at a crowded place where it is difficult to detect and track a single person.