Moree Surrounds

Moree Surrounds 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 Surrounds' population is approximately 5,330 as of November 2025. This figure shows a decrease of 26 people (0.5%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,356. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data: 5,263 in June 2024 and an additional 20 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a population density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. While Moree Surrounds saw a 0.5% decline since the Census, the SA3 area had 0.3% growth, indicating differing trends. Natural growth contributed approximately 90.8% of overall population gains recently.

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 used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends suggest a population increase just below Australia's non-metropolitan median, expecting an addition of 519 persons by 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 8.5% over the 17 years.

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

Moree Surrounds had minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually over the five-year period ending in 20XX (13 dwellings total). This low level reflects its rural nature, where housing needs drive development rather than broad market demand. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national patterns, Moree Surrounds has much lower development activity. New building activity was 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the current housing mix of 93.0% houses. This change reflects reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands. The area had an estimated 3301 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Moree Surrounds will gain 452 residents by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Moree Surrounds will gain 452 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Moree Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 15 such projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Moree Secondary College Campus Consolidation, Moree Hospital Redevelopment, Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase Two (commencing 2023), and Moree Water Treatment Plant Upgrades (scheduled for completion in 2024). The following list outlines those projects deemed most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Moree Surrounds ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Moree Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year as of June 2025.

There are 3,313 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is at 53.7%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a high employment share of 9.5 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance is under-represented at 6.8% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%.

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data analysis. Over the past year, employment increased by 4.4%, labour force by 3.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.1%, labour force expand by 0.3%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National unemployment is at 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a potential future demand within Moree Surrounds. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Moree Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.4% over five years and 10.2% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 indicates that Moree Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $49,134 and an average of $59,163. These figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $55,330 (median) and $66,623 (average). Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Moree Surrounds rank modestly, between the 43rd and 52nd percentiles. The earnings profile reveals that 32.2% of the population, equivalent to 1,716 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which is similar to the pattern seen in metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 93.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Moree Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

The latest Census data shows that in Moree Surrounds, 93.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moree Surrounds stood at 42.9%, with mortgaged properties making up 25.9% and rented dwellings accounting for 31.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, significantly lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300 and the national average of $1,863. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Moree Surrounds was $175, substantially below Non-Metro NSW's figure of $220 and the national average of $375.

Moree Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.7% of all households, including 31.1% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5 people.

Educational outcomes in Moree Surrounds fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 19.6%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (29.4%). Educational participation is high at 42.6%, comprising 18.8% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 4.7% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 42.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 18.8% in primary education, 11.1% in secondary education, and 4.7% 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 254 active stops operating in Moree Surrounds, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 27 individual routes, offering 281 weekly passenger trips collectively. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2841 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 40 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per stop.

The level of general health in Moree Surrounds is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Moree Surrounds shows superior health outcomes for both younger and older age groups, with low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 49% (~2,617 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (8.5%) and arthritis (6.8%). A majority (72.9%) report no medical ailments, higher than Rest of NSW's 66.7%. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.7% (836 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 18.8%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Moree Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Moree Surrounds had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 72.9% of its population being Australian citizens, 94.6% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Moree Surrounds, accounting for 68.2% of the population, similar to the 68.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.9%), English (29.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.3%).

Notably, Irish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.9%, compared to 8.1% regionally, Scottish at 8.5% versus 6.8%, and German at 3.9% against 2.8%.

Moree Surrounds's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Moree Surrounds is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but closely aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Moree Surrounds has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (15.1%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (4.8%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 25 to 34 years increased from 12.5% to 15.1% of the population in Moree Surrounds. Conversely, the age groups of 45 to 54 and 35 to 44 decreased from 14.1% to 11.6% and 11.6% to 10.6%, respectively. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Moree Surrounds's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 32%, reaching 1,064 people from the current figure of 805. Meanwhile, the age groups of 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 are expected to experience population declines.