Abstract
This study develops and tests a quantitative indicator system to assess sustainable development in small urban districts in Kazakhstan. The research addresses the lack of measurable tools for small settlements, although they are important for sustainable territorial planning. Its novelty lies in using official socio-economic passport data to build a reproducible system of 18 indicators grouped into demographic, economic and resource-pressure, social-infrastructure, and spatial blocks. The study applied a quantitative case study method using the Bulaevo Urban District in the North Kazakhstan Region as of January 1, 2025. Standardized indicators were compared with regulatory benchmarks, and block and integrated sustainability indices were calculated. The integrated index was 0.19, indicating a low level of sustainability. The main deficits concerned preschool education, employment structure, and agricultural land use. The proposed system can support local authorities in monitoring sustainability, setting planning priorities, expanding preschool infrastructure, diversifying employment, and reducing pressure on agricultural land.