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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Moree's population is around 8,012 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 167 people (2.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,845 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,993 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Moree's 2.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (1.3%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 74.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationally is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 2,508 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 31.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Moree has seen around 4 new homes approved each year, with 23 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. With population declining over recent years, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $397,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $10.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity.

When measured against the Rest of NSW, Moree has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks within the 11th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (83.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The estimated count of 1504 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Moree is expected to grow by 2,489 residents through to 2041 (from 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Moree Hospital Redevelopment, Moree Water Treatment Plant Upgrades, Moree Special Activation Precinct (SAP), and Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase Two, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.4%. As of December 2025, 4,432 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (72.2% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level. On the other hand, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.9% of Moree's workforce compared to 16.9% in Regional NSW. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.0% while employment declined by 1.6%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional NSW recorded an employment decline of 1.2%, a labour force decline of 0.8%, with unemployment rising 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Moree. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Moree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23 reveals that income in the Moree SA2 is higher than average nationally, with the median assessed at $57,223 while the average income stands at $71,306. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,293 (median) and $77,624 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 54th percentile ($828 weekly), while household income sits at the 35th percentile. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.6% of the community (2,611 individuals), mirroring the region where 29.9% occupy this bracket. 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

Dwelling structure within Moree, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Moree was lagging that of Regional NSW, at 31.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.5%) or rented (40.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,336, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $230, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Moree's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Moree features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 65.8% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.5%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (29.5%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 97 active transport stops operating within Moree, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 23 individual routes, collectively providing 269 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 296 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Moree, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~4,334 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.3% and 7.7% of residents, respectively, while 67.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,512 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW, with national rankings 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 78.8% of its population being citizens, 92.0% born in Australia, and 94.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Moree is Christianity, which makes up 70.1% of the population. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Moree are Australian, comprising 31.6% of the population, English, comprising 25.7% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 17.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Lebanese is notably overrepresented at 0.4% of 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

With a median age of 38, Moree is notably under the Regional NSW figure of 43 but is equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 15.6% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 65 - 74 cohort is less prevalent at 10.1%. Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.9% to 15.6% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 6.7% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 11.8% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.9% to 11.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Moree's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 44% (550 people), reaching 1,797 from 1,246. The 55 to 64 group displays more modest growth at 10%, adding only 93 residents.