As strategic support bases in China, resource-dependent cities are facing more prominent unsustainable problems. It is very important to carry out quantitative monitoring and evaluation of sustainable development level in these cities, which will promote their transformation development and activate regenerative power. Based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of "Transforming our World:the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" and the planetary boundary theory, an SDGs-oriented sustainable development evaluation index system for resource-dependent cities was established regarding the development characteristics of resource-dependent cities, consisting of 2 systems, 4 pillars, 12 fields, and 48 indicators. Drawing on the global practical experience and considering the indicator categories, the indicator thresholds were determined comprehensively, and a comprehensive evaluation technology system was established by using improved deviation standardization, barrier degree analysis, and coupling coordination degree analysis. Chenzhou in Hunan Province, as a National Innovation Demonstration Zone for Sustainable Development, is known as the "home of non-ferrous metals". Its sustainable development level from 2005 to 2019 was analyzed. The results show that:(1) The level of sustainable development in Chenzhou presented a steady upward trend, with a score rising from 0.398 to 0.610, but it tended to decline in the past three years. (2) Among the four pillars, the Ecology Pillar was maintaining relatively excellent performance, while the obstacle factor changed from environmental pollution to ecological status. The Natural Resource Pillar made the greatest progress, with an increase of 71.3%, indicating that Chenzhou gradually increased its emphasis on resource utilization efficiency, while realizing the importance of tapping alternative resources, and both resource security and utilization capacity enhanced. The Development Dynamics Pillar scored at a weak or medium level, which became the main factor limiting the sustainable development and green transformation of Chenzhou, and the technology innovation level was the key obstacle factor for this pillar. The score of Well-Being Guarantee Pillar steadily increased, but its further improvement requires support from the Development Dynamics Pillar. (3) In the past 15 years, the Human Development system and Natural Environment system in Chenzhou have developed in a good coupling trend, with the coupling coordination degree increasing from 0.631 to 0.780. However, compared with similar cities, the growth of the Human Development system in Chenzhou had a certain lag and inadequacy. How to use Chenzhou's natural environment advantages to improve human development level is what Chenzhou needs to explore further. As a result, some effective ways to realize the sustainable development of Chenzhou were put forward. In particular, positive actions should be taken to improve innovation capacity, cultivate replacement industries, explore the transformation path of natural resources, and strike a balance between conservation and development.