An Assessment of Neighborhood Residents’ Satisfaction with Urban Livability and Its Determinants in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

The increasing rate of urbanization and its impact on urban and regional settings are a major concern for Ethiopian cities. Urban livability is a multidimensional concept influenced by economic vitality, environmental quality, infrastructure, housing, and social cohesion. assessments of livability to inform equitable recovery and urban planning. The study aimed to assess neighborhood residents’ satisfaction with urban livability in selected sub-cities of Mekelle, Ethiopia. A mixed-methods approach was employed using structured questionnaires administered to 384 household respondents. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regressions. The study measured satisfaction across seven urban livability dimensions: economic vitality, environmental sustainability, socio-cultural amenities, public facilities, transportation, security, and housing. Findings revealed moderate satisfaction in most domains, with economic vitality (M = 2.98) and housing (M = 3.14) scoring relatively well. Environmental sustainability (M = 2.53) and urban security (M = 2.29) received the lowest satisfaction ratings, signaling significant concern. Regression analysis showed that economic vitality (β = 0.385, p < 0.001) and transportation infrastructure (β = 0.311, p < 0.001) had the strongest influence on overall satisfaction. Sociocultural cohesion and access to public facilities were also significant predictors. Age group, education level, marital status, income, and family size were statistically associated with satisfaction levels (p < 0.001). Residents aged 46–55 reported the highest satisfaction across most variables, likely reflecting better economic integration and housing access. The study underscores the importance of integrated urban planning, particularly in addressing environmental degradation, safety, and inclusive service provision in post-conflict settings. Policymakers should prioritize economic development, improve housing affordability, and strengthen environmental and security frameworks to enhance urban resilience and resident well-being in Mekelle.