Moree
Statistical Area - sa2

Moree is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Moree's population, as of August 2025, is approximately 8,009. This figure represents an increase of 164 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,845. The growth was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 7,993 in June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer. Moree's 2.1% growth rate since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area's 0.7%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 74.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for Moree are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government SA2 level projections from 2022 (using 2021 as the base year) are employed. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in Moree's top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with an expected expansion of 2,508 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 31.1% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Moree is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Moree has averaged approximately four new dwelling approvals annually. Between financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), 23 homes were approved, with an additional four approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, providing buyers with good choices.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $496,000. In the current financial year, there have been $10.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Moree records about three-quarters the building activity per person. Nationally, it ranks among the 11th percentile of areas assessed, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. New construction consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This preference for detached housing is more pronounced than current patterns suggest (83.0% at Census), indicating robust demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1504 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. By 2041, Moree is projected to grow by 2,492 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Moree has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could potentially impact this area. Notable projects include Moree Hospital Redevelopment, Moree Special Activation Precinct (SAP), Moree Water Treatment Plant Upgrades, and Burnt and Derelict Housing Remediation Program. The following list details those considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Employment performance in Moree exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Moree has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.4% as of June 2025. This is 0.3% below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.8%. There are 4,605 residents in work currently. Workforce participation is somewhat lower than standard at 53.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among Moree's residents include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, at 11.9% of Moree's workforce compared to 16.9% in Rest of NSW. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force increased by 3.5%, resulting in a 1.2 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, losing 19,270 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.5% and lags behind national employment growth of 0.26%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, as of May 2025, suggest potential future demand within Moree. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Moree's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Moree had a median income among taxpayers of $54,510 with the average level standing at $65,981. This is just above the national average and compares to levels of $49,459 and $62,998 across Rest of NSW respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year ended June 2022, current estimates would be approximately $60,288 (median) and $72,975 (average) as of March 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 55th percentile ($828 weekly), while household income sits at the 35th percentile. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 32.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,610 residents). Housing costs are manageable with 88.1% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 40th percentile.

Moree is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Moree's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moree stood at 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 40.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,336, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Moree was $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Moree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Moree features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.8% of all households, including 23.5% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

Moree faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The university qualification rate in this area is 19.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (29.5%).

Educational participation is high at 36.2%, comprising primary education (15.6%), secondary education (9.0%), and tertiary education (3.0%). Seven schools operate in Moree, educating approximately 1,494 students. The area has varied educational conditions, with a mix of 2 primary, 2 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. School capacity is higher than typical residential needs (18.6 places per 100 residents vs 14.6 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 61 active stops operating in Moree. These include trains and buses serviced by 14 routes offering 213 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is moderate with residents usually located 506 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 30 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Moree is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Moree faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is held by approximately 52% of Moree's total population (~4,196 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 9.3% and 7.7% of residents respectively. A majority, 67.1%, report having no medical ailments, compared to 66.7% across Rest of NSW. Moree has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 18.4% (1,476 people), performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Moree is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Moree had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 78.8% citizens, 92.0% born in Australia, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 70.1%, compared to 68.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.6%), English (25.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.8%).

Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Lebanese made up 0.4% in Moree versus 0.2% regionally, Serbian was at 0.3% compared to 0.1%, and Samoan was 0.1% while the regional figure was 0%.

Moree's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Moree's median age is 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group constitutes 15.2% of Moree's population, higher than the Rest of NSW percentage, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 10.0%, lower than the Rest of NSW figure. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.2% of Moree's population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Moree's age profile by 2041. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 47%, adding 576 people, reaching a total of 1,797 from the current figure of 1,220. The 55-64 group is projected to grow by 7%, with an addition of 65 residents.