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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, is approximately 5,272 as of May 2026. This figure shows a decrease of 84 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,356. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,271 in June 2025 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. While Moree Surrounds experienced a 1.6% decline since the census, the SA3 area as a whole saw a 0.5% growth, indicating differing population trends within the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 88.8% of overall population gains in 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, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends suggest an increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with the area expected to grow by 501 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 9.5% over the 16 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 has had minimal residential development activity with an average of 2 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years (13 dwellings in total). This low level of development reflects its rural nature, where housing needs are typically specific to local requirements rather than broad market demand. Due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national patterns, Moree Surrounds has much lower development activity. New building activity is split equally between standalone homes (50.0%) and townhouses or apartments (50.0%). This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix of 93.0% houses, driven by reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With an estimated population of 3301 people per dwelling approval, Moree Surrounds maintains a quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate that the area will gain 500 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate).

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Moree Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Moree Special Activation Precinct, Moree Secondary College Campus Consolidation, Moree Hospital Redevelopment, and Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase Two. The following list details those 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.

The labour market in Moree Surrounds shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Moree Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 2.3% as of December 2025. It has 3,207 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 78.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.

According to Census responses, 19.2% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 9.5 times the regional level, but has a lower representation in health care & social assistance at 6.8% compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population.

In the 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 0.9% alongside a 1.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to rise by 0.1 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW where employment fell by 1.2%, labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that 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 projections to Moree Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.4% over five years and 10.2% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Moree Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $53,307 and an average of $70,642. This is higher than the national averages. Regional NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during this period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $58,808 (median) and $77,932 (average). Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Moree Surrounds rank modestly, between the 43rd and 52nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows 32.2% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, which is similar to 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

In Moree Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 93.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.0% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This differs from Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moree Surrounds stood at 42.9%, with mortgaged properties at 25.9% and rented dwellings at 31.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Moree Surrounds was recorded as $175, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Moree Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households making up 2.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 held by 41.9% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 12.5% and certificates at 29.4%. Educational participation is 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 indicates 342 active transport stops operating within Moree Surrounds, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are serviced by 46 individual routes, collectively providing 469 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 205 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transportation is car at 88%, with 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, some 19.2% of residents work from home, potentially reflecting COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 67 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Moree Surrounds's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Moree Surrounds residents have relatively positive health outcomes according to data analysis by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and health conditions are broadly in line with national benchmarks.

The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 54% (~2,852 people) of the population has private health cover, compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 8.5 and 6.8% of residents respectively. 72.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. The area has 16.5% (870 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 score below average, with 72.9% of its population being citizens, 94.6% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Moree Surrounds, accounting for 68.2%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (29.9%), English (29.4%), and Australian Aboriginal (12.3%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Notably, Irish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.9%, compared to 8.8% regionally, Scottish at 8.5% versus 8.0%, and German at 3.9% versus 3.1%.

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 Regional NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Moree Surrounds has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (15.1%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (5.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 12.5% to 15.1% of the population. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 14.1% to 11.5%, and the 35-44 age group decreased from 11.6% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Moree Surrounds' age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 1,022 people from the current figure of 795. Conversely, the 45-54 and 15-24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.