Urbanization is a dynamic and expanding process characterized by the concentration
of population, economic activities, and the provision of social services. While it plays a
significant role in urban development, it also introduces new challenges, particularly
in the face of natural and human-induced crises. The rapid growth of urbanization,
alongside creating employment opportunities, has heightened the vulnerability of cities
and underscored the necessity of strengthening urban resilience in the contemporary
world. The present study aims to evaluate the dimensions of urban resilience against
pandemics in the city of Ilam. The statistical population includes all residents of Ilam
city, totaling 194,030 people. Based on Cochran’s formula, a sample of 383 participants
was selected. Data analysis was performed using quantitative methods through SPSS
and AMOS software. The results of the one-sample t-test revealed that, from citizens’
perspectives, Ilam lacks adequate preparedness to manage health crises and return to
normal conditions. Weaknesses in resilience were observed in households’ dependence
on government support, limited social participation, insufficient health infrastructure,
and institutional incoordination. Furthermore, the structural equation modeling results
indicated that the physical–infrastructural dimension, with a factor loading of 0.96, has
the greatest influence on urban resilience, while the social dimension, with a factor
loading of 0.57, plays the least significant role. This finding highlights the importance
of enhancing social capital, increasing public awareness, and strengthening citizen
participation. Accordingly, developing participatory policies, improving civic education,
and upgrading public service infrastructure can play a crucial role in strengthening urban
resilience in Ilam.