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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Moree Surrounds's population is around 5,327 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 29 people (0.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,356 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,263 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. While Moree Surrounds experienced a 0.5% decline since the census, the SA3 area achieved 1.3% growth, highlighting divergent population trends. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 90.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilizes 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. As we examine 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 by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 8.5% 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 has minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually (13 dwellings over the five-year period). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note: given the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Moree Surrounds naturally has much lower development activity compared to the Rest of NSW. This activity level is similarly below national patterns. New building activity shows 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 93.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated count of 3301 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Moree Surrounds will gain 455 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 32ndth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 15 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on 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, 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.

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 features a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. As of December 2025, 3,207 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.7% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (78.5% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 19.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 9.5 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 6.8% of Moree Surrounds's workforce compared to 16.9% in Regional NSW. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease 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%, the labour force contracted by 0.8%, and unemployment rose 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 Surounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.4% over five years and 10.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Moree Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $53,307, with an average of $70,642. This is higher than the national average, and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,030 (median) and $76,901 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Moree Surrounds, between the 43rd and 52nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows 32.2% of the population (1,715 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 29.9% similarly occupy this range. After housing costs, residents retain 93.5% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and 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 within Moree Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 93.0% houses and 7.0% 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 Surrounds was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 42.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.9%) or rented (31.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $867, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $175, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Moree Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.7% of all households, comprising 31.1% couples with children, 28.4% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 26.0% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.6 people is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.6%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.5%) and certificates (29.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 342 active transport stops operating within Moree Surrounds, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 46 individual routes, collectively providing 469 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 205 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 9% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 19.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 67 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map shows 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

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Moree Surrounds residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,881 people), compared to 51.9% across Regional NSW.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.5% and 6.8% of residents, respectively, while 72.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (843 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than those of 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 72.9% of its population being citizens, 94.6% born in Australia, and 96.9% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Moree Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 68.2% 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 Surrounds are Australian, comprising 29.9% of the population, English, comprising 29.4% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 12.3% 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: Irish is notably overrepresented at 9.9% of Moree Surrounds (vs 8.8% regionally), Scottish at 8.5% (vs 8.0%) and German at 3.9% (vs 3.1%).

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

With a median age of 38, Moree Surrounds 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 15.7% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 75 - 84 cohort is less prevalent at 4.9%. Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.5% to 15.7% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.1% to 11.3% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 11.6% to 10.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Moree Surrounds's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 27% (228 people), reaching 1,064 from 835. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 15 to 24 cohorts.