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 of February 2026, is approximately 5,327 people. This figure represents a decrease of 29 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,356. The population estimate for June 2024 was 5,263, with an additional 24 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this change. This results in a population density ratio of 0.30 persons per square kilometer. While Moree Surrounds experienced a 0.5% decline from the census figure, the SA3 area showed a 1.3% growth, indicating differing population trends within the region. Natural growth accounted for approximately 90.8% 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 employs 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. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Moree Surrounds is expected to increase by approximately 519 persons by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 8.5% over the 17-year period.

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 seen 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 the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically addressed on a local basis rather than being driven by broader market demand. It is important to note that 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 in the area shows a 50% split between standalone homes and townhouses or apartments. This balance favors compact living, offering affordable entry pathways that attract downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a significant shift from the current housing mix, which is predominantly houses (93%). This change can be attributed to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The estimated population per dwelling approval in Moree Surrounds is 3301 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain 455 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Moree Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 32ndth percentile nationally

AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the area significantly. 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. The following list details those likely to be 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. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, lower than the Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 0.6%.

As of September 2025, 3,237 residents are employed, and the participation rate is 79.2%, higher than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Home workership stands at 19.2% based on Census responses. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, education & training, and health care & social assistance. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (9.5 times the regional level), but underrepresentation in health care & social assistance (6.8% vs Rest of NSW's 16.9%).

Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the past year, employment increased by 0.6%, labour force by 0.7%, and unemployment rose by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 taxpayer income of $53,307 and an average of $70,642. This is higher than the national averages of $51,989 (median) and $67,396 (average). Comparing to Rest of NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215, Moree Surrounds' incomes are slightly higher. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes (as of September 2025) would be approximately $58,030 (median) and $76,901 (average). Census data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in Moree Surrounds modestly, between the 43rd and 52nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows 32.2% of residents fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to metropolitan regions (29.9%). After housing costs, residents retain 93.5% of their income, indicating strong purchasing power. Moree Surrounds' 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

Moree Surrounds' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moree Surrounds was higher at 42.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.9% and rented ones at 31.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $867, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Moree Surrounds was $175, significantly below Non-Metro NSW's $330 and 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 account for 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 2.4.

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 the most prevalent 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

Public transport analysis reveals 342 active transport stops operating within Moree Surrounds. These comprise a mix of train and bus services. They 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 stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode 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, which may reflect 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 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

Moree Surrounds' health data shows positive outcomes for residents. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are low across all age groups. Private health cover is high at 54% (~2881 people), compared to Rest of NSW's 51.9%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common conditions, affecting 8.5% and 6.8% respectively. 72.9% of residents report no medical ailments, higher than Rest of NSW's 63.3%. Working-age health outcomes are typical. The area has 15.8% (843 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Rest of NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes rank nationally 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 index below the 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 predominant religion, comprising 68.2% of people in Moree Surrounds, compared to 55.9% across Rest of 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%.

Some ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Irish at 9.9% (vs regional 8.8%), 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

The median age of Moree Surrounds is 38, which is less than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.7% of the population in Moree Surrounds, compared to the Rest of NSW figure. However, the 75-84 cohort is less prevalent at 4.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 12.5% to 15.7%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 14.1% to 11.3% and the 35-44 group has dropped from 11.6% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests that Moree Surrounds' age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 27%, reaching 1,064 people from the current figure of 835. Meanwhile, population declines are forecast for the 45-54 and 15-24 cohorts.