Combining the Bloch theory and Maxwell equations, the Bloch surface wave forming on the surface defect of one-dimensional photonic crystal is analyzed theoretically. The local characteristics of Bloch surface wave and the influences of incident angles and incident wavelengths on the Bloch surface are discussed. On this basis, the sensing performance of the surface defect photonic crystal structure is studied. When the incident TE polarization component travels through the photonic crystal at a certain angle, the surface wave resonance occurs in the defect layer forming by the detected solution, and the electromagnetic field is located and enhanced. The Bloch surface wave has a high sensitivity with the change of the refractive index of the solutions. The simulation results show that the Q value can up to about 2620.29, and the sensitivity S is about 62°RIU^-1. Therefore, the Bloch surface wave has good sensing performance in the one-dimensional photonic crystal structure. It can provide certain theoretical references for the design and application of refractive index sensors.