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 per AreaSearch's analysis, was approximately 8,009 by August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 164 individuals, a 2.1% rise since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 7,845. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,993 in June 2024 and the addition of 15 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 115 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential for further development. Moree's growth rate of 2.1% since the 2021 census surpassed that of its SA3 area (0.7%), positioning it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth accounted for approximately 74.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch employs 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 (base year: 2021) are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Moree expected to expand by 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. Development approval data is compiled by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 23 dwellings approved between financial years 2021 and 2025, and four approved so far in the current financial year 2026. The population has decreased over this period, indicating that new supply may have been meeting demand, providing good options for buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $496,000.

There have been $10.1 million in commercial approvals this financial year, suggesting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Moree records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 11th percentile nationally, implying limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Building activity has accelerated recently, reflecting market maturity and potential development constraints. All new construction consists 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 higher 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 and low activity development environment. Projections indicate Moree's population will grow by 2,492 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects potentially impacting the region. Key initiatives 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 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, which is below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. There are 4,605 residents in work.

Workforce participation in Moree is 53.8%, slightly below the Rest of NSW average of 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a particularly high share of employment at 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.

Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.8%, while labour force increased by 3.5%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 1.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and a labour force growth of 0.3%, with a rise in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Moree, with national employment forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moree's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Moree had a median income among taxpayers of $54,510. The average income was $65,981. This is above the national average and compares to $49,459 (median) and $62,998 (average) across Rest of NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for March 2025 would be approximately $60,288 (median) and $72,975 (average). According to Census 2021 income data, personal income ranks at the 55th percentile ($828 weekly), while household income sits at the 35th percentile. The largest income segment comprises 32.6% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,610 residents). Housing costs are manageable with 88.1% retained. However, 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

In Moree, as per the latest Census, 82.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 17.2% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's figures of 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 in the area was $1,336, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Moree was $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Moree's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,336 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $230 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Moree faces educational challenges with university qualification rates at 19.5%, significantly below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (29.5%).

Educational participation is high at 36.2%, including 15.6% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education. Moree operates a robust network of 7 schools educating approximately 1,494 students. The educational mix includes 2 primary, 2 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (18.6 places per 100 residents vs 14.6 regionally), indicating Moree serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 61 operational stops in Moree, offering a mix of train and bus services. These are covered by 14 routes, facilitating 213 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated moderate, with residents located about 506 meters from the nearest stop on average.

Service frequency stands at approximately 30 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 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 somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~4,196 people), leading that of the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.3% and 7.7% of residents respectively. 67.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 66.7% across Rest of NSW. 18.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,476 people).

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

Moree's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 78.8% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia at a rate of 92.0%, and speaking English exclusively at home at a rate of 94.6%. The predominant religion in Moree is Christianity, which accounts for 70.1% of the population, compared to 68.1% across the Rest of NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (31.6%), English (25.7%), and Australian Aboriginal (17.8%).

Notably, Lebanese ethnicity is overrepresented in Moree at 0.4%, compared to 0.2% regionally, Serbian at 0.3% versus 0.1%, and Samoan at 0.1% versus 0%.

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 also at 38. The age group of 25-34 shows strong representation in Moree at 15.2%, compared to the Rest of NSW figure. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent in Moree at 10.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.9% to 15.2% of Moree's population. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 13.7% to 12.4%. Demographic modeling indicates that Moree's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 group is projected to grow by 47%, adding 576 people and reaching a total of 1,797 from the current figure of 1,220. The 55 to 64 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 7%, with an increase of just 65 residents.