Moree

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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 8,027 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 182 people (2.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,845. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,020 in June 2025 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. Moree's growth rate of 2.3% since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area average of 0.5%, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth drove most of this population increase, contributing approximately 72.9% of overall gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021, are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest a significant increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Moree expected to expand by 2,392 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 29.7% over the 16-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 per year. Between financial years 2021 (FY-21) and 2025 (FY-25), a total of 23 homes were approved, with an additional 13 approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, new supply has likely kept pace with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

The average expected construction cost value for new dwellings is $397,000, which is higher than regional norms but reflects quality-focused development. In FY-26, $10.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity. Comparatively, Moree records around three-quarters the building activity per person when measured against the Rest of NSW. Nationally, it places among the 11th percentile of areas assessed, suggesting more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years. New construction has been exclusively comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This trend favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (83.0% at Census), indicating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Moree is 1504, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Moree is expected to grow by 2,385 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, 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 23rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to its local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 9 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include the Moree Hospital Redevelopment, Moree Water Treatment Plant Upgrades, Moree Special Activation Precinct, and Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase Two. The following list outlines those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Moree has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Moree has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 4.4% as of December 2025. There are 4,432 residents in work, with the unemployment rate being 0.5% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 72.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.

According to Census responses, only 6.5% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. Moree specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.9% compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%.

Many residents may commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year ending December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.0%, employment declined by 1.6%, and unemployment rose by 0.6 percentage points in Moree. In contrast, Regional NSW saw an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moree's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2023, Moree SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $57,223 and an average income of $71,306. These figures exceed the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 are approximately $63,128 (median) and $78,665 (average). Census data from 2021 indicates personal income ranks at the 54th percentile ($828 weekly), with household income at the 35th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 32.6% earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (2,616 residents). Housing costs allow for retention of 88.1%, but disposable income is 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

The dwelling structure in Moree, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Regional NSW's composition of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moree was at 31.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented dwellings at 40.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,336, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Moree was recorded at $230, compared to Regional NSW's $330. 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 34.2%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, aligning with the Regional NSW average.

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

In the area, university qualification rates are lower than the NSW average, at 19.5%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 15.1% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15 and above possessing them.

This includes advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high, with 36.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.6% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Moree has 97 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 23 different routes, offering a total of 269 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Moree is rated as good, with residents located an average of 296 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, used by 93% of residents, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Moree is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Moree faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 54% (~4,342 people) have private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. The most common conditions are asthma (9.3%) and arthritis (7.7%). 67.1% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. 18.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,501 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW.

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

Moree's population showed low cultural diversity, with 78.8% being citizens, 92.0% born in Australia, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 70.1%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.6%), English (25.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.8%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Notably, Lebanese (0.4%) and Serbian (0.3%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.2% each, while Samoan representation was similar at 0.1%.

Moree's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Moree has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Regional NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.4% of Moree's population, higher than Regional NSW, while the 65-74 cohort accounts for 10.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.4%, and the 0-4 cohort has risen from 6.7% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 12.1%, and the 55-64 group has fallen from 12.9% to 11.9%. By 2041, Moree's age profile is projected to change significantly, with the 25-34 group expected to grow by 43% (529 people), reaching 1,767 from 1,237. The 55-64 group is forecast to grow more modestly at 9%, adding only 84 residents.