Moree

Moree is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Moree is around 9,144, reflecting a growth of 182 people since the 2021 Census. This increase corresponds to a rise of 2.0% from the previous population count of 8,962. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 9,137 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of an additional 29 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Moree's growth rate of 2.0% since the 2021 census exceeds that of its SA3 area, which grew by 0.5%, indicating it as a region leader in terms of population increase. Natural growth contributed approximately 75.0% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic trends forecast a significant population increase in top quartile locations outside capital cities, including Moree. Aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an expected increase of 2,481 persons by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 27.1% over the 16-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Moree shows approximately 5 new homes approved annually since FY17-FY21, totalling about 29 homes. As of FY26, 14 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New homes are being built at an average cost of $505,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment.

Commercial approvals in FY26 reached $10.9 million, demonstrating moderate commercial development levels. Compared to Rest of NSW and nationally, Moree has less new development per person (19.0% below) and ranks at the 13th percentile, leading to constrained buyer choice and interest in existing homes. Recent construction comprises mostly standalone homes (83.0%) with an estimated 1304 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. AreaSearch projects Moree's population to grow by 2,474 residents by 2041, potentially outpacing housing supply at current development rates and heightening buyer competition.

Looking ahead, Moree is expected to grow by 2,474 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Moree has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified ten projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Moree Hospital Redevelopment, Moree Water Treatment Plant Upgrades, Moree Special Activation Precinct, 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, Moree has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Moree has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 5,181 residents are employed, aligning with Regional NSW's 3.9% unemployment rate and surpassing standard workforce participation at 74.3%.

Census responses indicate that only 8.3% of residents work from home. Key industries for employment include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly notable with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 11.1% compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, Moree's labour force decreased by 0.8%, employment declined by 1.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 project national growth rates of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying industry-specific projections. Applying these projections to Moree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.1% 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 that in Moree, median income is $55,405 and average income is $67,024. This compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $61,123 (median) and $73,941 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32%. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 59th percentile ($851 weekly) and household income at the 39th percentile. In Moree, 33.3% of individuals fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, in line with regional trends (29.9%). Housing costs allow for retention of 88.8%, but disposable income is below average at the 46th percentile.

Moree is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In Moree, as per the latest Census evaluation, 83.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 17.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This is comparable to Regional NSW's figures of 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moree stood at 32.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.8% and rented ones at 39.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,326, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Moree was $230, below Regional NSW's $330 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Moree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,326 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

Moree has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 67.2% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 13.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

Moree faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 20.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 29.4%. Educational participation is high, with 37.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 15.8% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Moree indicates that there are 193 active transport stops currently operating. These consist of a mix of train and bus services. There are 24 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 289 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 296 meters from the nearest transport stop. As Moree is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport remains the car at 92%, while walking accounts for 5%.

On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 8.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 41 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's centrepoint.

Health performance in Moree is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Moree faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial among both younger and older age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 53%, slightly above the average SA2 area (~4,886 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.0%) and arthritis (7.6%). A total of 68.4% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally comparable to broader trends. The area has 18.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,655 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW.

Moree is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Moree's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 77.9% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (92.2%), speaking English only at home (94.8%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Moree, comprising 70.4%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW as of 2016. The top three ancestry groups based on parents' country of birth are Australian (32.0%), English (26.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.0%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Notably, Lebanese ethnicity is overrepresented in Moree at 0.4% compared to 0.2% regionally, Serbian at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Samoan at 0.1% matching the regional figure.

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

Moree's median age is 38, lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but equal to the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 15.2% of Moree's population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 13.4% to 15.2%, and the 0-4 cohort rose from 6.7% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort decreased from 14.1% to 12.7%, and the 45-54 group fell from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Moree's age profile. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 41%, adding 574 people and reaching 1,964 from the current 1,389. Meanwhile, the 55-64 group will grow more modestly at 7%, adding only 76 residents.