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

Moree's population, as of November 2025, is estimated at around 9,137 people. This figure reflects an increase of 175 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,962. The latest estimated resident population (ERP) from AreaSearch, based on ABS data released in June 2024, is 9,110. This includes an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Moree's growth rate of 2.0% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area at 0.3%, indicating it as a growth leader in the region.

Natural growth contributed about 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb of Moree is forecasted to increase by 2,597 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 27.8% over the 17-year period.

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

Moree has seen approximately five new homes approved annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 28 homes. As of April 2026, five approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $505,000. Additionally, $10.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered in the current financial year, suggesting balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the rest of NSW, Moree has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 13th percentile of areas assessed, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes.

Development activity has picked up in recent periods but remains below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 83% standalone homes and 17% attached dwellings, maintaining Moree's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1301 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Moree is expected to grow by 2543 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate (as of June 2021). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Moree has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified ten projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Moree Hospital Redevelopment, Moree Special Activation Precinct (SAP), Moree Water Treatment Plant Upgrades, and Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star - Phase Two. The following 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.

Employment performance in Moree exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Moree has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7%.

As of June 2025, 5,374 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of NSW at 56.4%. Key industries for Moree residents include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly specialized with an employment share 3.2 times the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 11.1% compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, labour force grew by 3.6%, and unemployment rate fell by 1.1 percentage points in Moree. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and a labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 12.1% over ten years. Applying these projections to Moree's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 10.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Moree's median income among taxpayers is $55,401 with an average of $67,020. This is slightly above the national average and compares to Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Moree would be approximately $62,387 (median) and $75,471 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 59th percentile ($851 weekly), while household income sits at the 39th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 33.3% of locals (3,042 people) predominantly fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. Housing costs are manageable with 88.8% retained, though disposable income sits 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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Moree, 83.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 17.0% comprising semi-detached units, apartments, and other types. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.8% houses and 12.1% 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, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Moree was $230, slightly higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $220. Nationally, Moree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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 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 such qualifications - 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. There are 7 schools operating within Moree, educating approximately 1,494 students, with varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 865). The educational mix includes 2 primary, 2 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

The analysis found 154 active transport stops in Moree, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 15 routes that together offer 228 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents located an average of 506 meters from the nearest stop.

Services run at an average frequency of 32 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Health performance in Moree is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Moree faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~4,882 people), compared to 50.5% across Rest of NSW.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.0 and 7.6% of residents respectively. 68.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 66.7% across Rest of NSW. As of 2019, 17.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,626 people), which is lower than the 18.8% in Rest of NSW. This aligns broadly with the general population's health profile.

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 citizens, 92.2% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Moree, comprising 70.4% of people, compared to 68.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.0%), English (26.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.0%).

Notably, Lebanese (0.4%) and Serbian (0.3%) ethnicities were overrepresented in Moree compared to regional averages of 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively.

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

Moree has a median age of 38, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.1% of Moree's population, higher than the Rest of NSW percentage. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort constitutes 9.8%, which is lower compared to other areas in NSW. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.4% to 15.1%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.1% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Moree's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 45%, adding 617 people and reaching a total of 1,997 from the current 1,379. The 55-64 age group is expected to grow at a more modest rate of 4%, with an increase of just 42 residents.