Moree Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Moree Surrounds' population is around 5320 as of Aug 2025. This reflects a decrease of 36 people (0.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5356 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5263 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. While Moree Surrounds experienced a 0.7% decline since census, the SA3 area achieved 0.7% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 90.8% 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. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 519 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 8.7% in total 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 period from 2016 to 2020. This resulted in a total of 13 dwellings approved during this five-year period. The low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically specific and locally driven rather than influenced by broader market demand.

It is important to note that with such a small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics. Compared to Rest of NSW and national patterns, Moree Surrounds naturally has much lower development activity. New building activity was split equally between standalone homes (50.0%) and townhouses or apartments (50.0%). This balance favours compact living, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift marks a significant change from the current housing mix of 93.0% houses, driven by reduced availability of development sites and evolving lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. As of now, Moree Surrounds has an estimated population density of 3301 people per dwelling approval, indicating its quiet and low activity development environment.

Population forecasts suggest that the area will gain 462 residents by the year 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth in the future.

Moree Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Moree Secondary College Campus Consolidation, Moree Hospital Redevelopment, Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase Two, and Moree Water Treatment Plant Upgrades. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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 was 1.7% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%. As of that date, 3,313 residents were employed. The unemployment rate was 1.9% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%, with workforce participation at 53.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share 9.5 times the regional level. However, 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 working population vs resident population comparison. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, labour force increased by 3.7%, and unemployment fell by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.1%, labour force expanded by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Moree Surrounds. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Moree Surrounds's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 shows Moree Surrounds had a median income of $49,134 and an average of $59,163. This is below the national average. Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $55,330 (median) and $66,623 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes rank modestly in Moree Surrounds, between the 43rd and 53rd percentiles. The earnings profile shows 32.2% of the population fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, with 1,713 individuals in this category. This pattern is similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this income range. After housing costs, residents retain 93.5% of their income. 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

Dwelling structure in Moree Surrounds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 87.8% houses and 12.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moree Surrounds was at 42.9%, with the rest either mortgaged (25.9%) or rented (31.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300 and Australia's national average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Moree Surrounds was $175, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $220 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 15.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (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. There are 12 schools serving 351 students in the area, with varied educational conditions across Moree Surrounds. The educational mix consists of 10 primary schools and 2 K-12 schools. Local school capacity is limited at 6.6 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.6, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Transport analysis in Moree Surrounds shows 254 active transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. The area is served by 27 individual routes which collectively provide 281 weekly passenger trips.

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 one 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 rates for common health conditions. Approximately 49% (~2612 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 total of 72.9% claim to be free of medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW's 66.7%. The area has a lower percentage of residents aged 65 and over at 15.7% (835 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 18.8%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, surpassing those of the general population in key 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 lower than average cultural diversity, with 72.9% of its population being citizens, 94.6% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 68.2% of people, 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 is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Moree Surrounds is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned 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 population aged 25 to 34 grew from 12.5% to 15.1%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 declined from 14.1% to 11.6% and the 35 to 44 age group decreased from 11.6% to 10.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Moree Surrounds' age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 32%, reaching 1,064 people from 803. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.