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 of February 2026, is approximately 8,012, indicating a growth of 167 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 2.1% rise from the previously reported figure of 7,845. The change is estimated based on the ABS's June 2024 figure of 7,993 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space for further development. Moree's growth rate of 2.1% since the 2021 census surpassed the SA3 area's 1.3%, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 74.2% to overall population 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 from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are applied. Growth rates by age group are projected for all areas between 2032 and 2041. By 2041, the area is forecast to experience a significant population increase, expanding by 2,508 persons, reflecting an overall 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 seen approximately four new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, with 23 approvals between FY-21 and FY-25, and five so far in FY-26. The population decline in recent years has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $397,000, slightly above the regional average, indicating a focus on quality developments.

This financial year has seen $10.1 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Moree has about three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 11th percentile nationally when measured against other areas assessed, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. However, development activity has increased recently. The area's low density nature is preserved with recent developments comprising entirely detached dwellings, attracting space-seeking buyers despite density pressures.

Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Moree is 1504 people, reflecting its quiet and low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Moree is projected to grow by 2,489 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Moree has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Nine projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact the area. Key projects include Moree Hospital Redevelopment, Moree Water Treatment Plant Upgrades, Moree Special Activation Precinct (SAP), and Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase Two. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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Moree has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Moree has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 4.1% as of September 2025, which is 0.3% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Moree is high at 72.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 61.5%.

According to Census responses, only 6.5% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. Moree has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.9% of Moree's workforce compared to 16.9% in Rest of NSW.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.5% while employment declined by 0.2%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project an increase of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that median income in Moree SA2 is $57,223 and average income is $71,306. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's figures where median income is $52,390 and average income is $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates for Moree SA2 would be approximately $62,293 (median) and $77,624 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that personal income ranks at the 54th percentile ($828 weekly), while household income sits at the 35th percentile. Income distribution shows that 32.6% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (2,611 individuals). Housing costs are manageable with 88.1% retained, 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

Moree's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% 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, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Moree was $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Moree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,336 versus 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 the remaining 34.2%, with lone person households at 30.8% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of NSW.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (29.5%). Educational participation is high, with 36.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 15.6% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

Transport analysis shows 97 active stops in Moree offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 23 routes, providing 269 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated good with residents typically located 296 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.5% of residents work from home. Service frequency averages 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 2 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 among both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 54% (~4,334 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the 51.9% average in Rest of NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.3%) and arthritis (7.7%). Conversely, 67.1% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.9% (1,512 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. National rankings for some conditions are even higher than the general population.

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 lower cultural diversity, 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 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.6%), English (25.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.8%), which was substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Some ethnic groups had notable differences: Lebanese at 0.4% in Moree vs 0.2% regionally, Serbian at 0.3% vs 0.2%, and Samoan at 0.1% vs 0.1%.

Moree's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Moree has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation in Moree at 15.6%, compared to the Rest of NSW figure. Conversely, the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent in Moree at 10.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.6% of Moree's population, while the 0-4 age group has grown from 6.7% to 7.8%. However, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.7% to 11.8%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. Demographic modeling suggests that Moree's age profile will significantly evolve by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 44%, adding 550 people, reaching a total of 1,797 from the current figure of 1,246. The 55-64 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 10%, adding only 93 residents.