Rapid urbanization in Wolkite City, Ethiopia, has accelerated population growth and infrastructure development at the expense of green space. This study quantifies the relationships between green space and settlements from 1985 to 2024 and their long‑term trends using remote sensing, GIS‑based spatial indicators, and social research. The novelty of this research lies in the proposal of three original indicators for urban development trends—Green Space Loss Indicator (LOST_GREEN), Settlement Increase Indicator (SII), and Cumulative Ratio Index (CRI)—explicitly tailored 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 in need of immediate planning action. Household survey results indicate uneven awareness of the benefits of green spaces across socioeconomic groups, with education, occupation, and income predicting environmental consciousness. Residents with higher levels of education and stable employment more frequently recognized the ecological and social value of green spaces. By integrating spatial metrics with social evidence, the study derives actionable guidance for urban planning and governance to support sustainable growth in Wolkite. Beyond this case, it offers a replicable assessment framework for fast‑growing Sub‑Saharan cities and underscores the importance of public awareness and participatory planning in mitigating ecological degradation and balancing urban expansion with environmental integrity.