Rapid urbanization in Wolkite City, Ethiopia, has accelerated population growth and infrastructure development at the expense of green areas. This study quantifies relationships and long‑term trends between green spaces and settlements from 1985 to 2024 using remote sensing, GIS‑based spatial indicators, and social research. The novelty of this research lies in proposing three original indicators for urban development trends—Green Area Loss Indicator (LOST_GREEN), Settlement Increase Indicator (SII), and Cumulative Ratio Index (CRI)—explicitly tuned to the socio‑spatial conditions of Sub‑Saharan African cities, with Wolkite, Ethiopia, as an illustrative case. These indicators track spatiotemporal land‑use dynamics, reveal a strong inverse relationship between settlement expansion and green‑space extent, and delineate critical zones needing immediate planning action. Household survey results show uneven awareness of green‑space benefits across socioeconomic groups; education, occupation, and income predict environmental consciousness. Residents with higher educational attainment and stable employment more frequently recognized the ecological and social value of green areas. By integrating spatial metrics with social evidence, the study derives actionable guidance for urban planning and governance to support sustainable growth in Wolkite. Beyond the case, it offers a replicable assessment framework for fast‑growing Sub‑Saharan cities and underscores the importance of public awareness and participatory planning to mitigate ecological degradation and balance urban expansion with environmental integrity.