This study employs spatial theory to investigate rural social governance, revealing how it influences the spatial layout of rural settlements. By utilizing GIS spatial analysis and spatial autocorrelation methods, we systematically categorize and organize rural territorial spaces, developing an optimal regional planning system for rural areas. Through spatial econometric analysis, we examine selected villages’ comprehensive governance levels and ecological governance efficiency. Our evaluation focuses on five key areas: economic development, public services, social order, environmental livability, and overall governance effectiveness. Findings indicate a significant annual growth in the villages’ overall development level by 14.6%, with rural governance effectiveness improving from 0.819 to 0.859 between 2012 and now. Moreover, disparities in governance effectiveness within these areas are narrowing. This research broadens the scope of rural governance studies through a spatial lens, offering valuable insights and benchmarks for future inquiries.