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 Feb 2026, Moree's population is estimated at around 9,136, reflecting an increase of 174 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a growth rate of 1.9%, with the population reported as 8,962 in the previous census. AreaSearch estimates this population based on resident data from June 2024 and additional validated addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Moree's growth rate of 1.9% exceeded the SA3 area's 1.3%, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed about 75.0% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. These projections forecast significant population growth outside capital cities, with Moree expected to increase by 2,596 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 28.1% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Moree has had approximately 5 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling around 29 homes. As of FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. Despite a falling population during this period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average value of new homes being built is $505,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties.

This financial year has seen $10.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Moree has 19.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 13th percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. However, recent periods have seen increased development activity, which is still below average nationally, possibly due to planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1302 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Moree is expected to grow by approximately 2,570 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Moree has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

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

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 essential services sectors well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 5,181 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.1% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Moree stands at 74.0%, surpassing Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicate that only 8.3% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries for employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Moree has a notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing with employment levels at 3.2 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance has limited presence with 11.1% employment compared to Regional NSW's 16.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Moree's labour force decreased by 0.9% while employment declined by 1.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and a labour force decline of 0.8%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Moree. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Moree's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

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 income in Moree is $55,405 median and $67,024 average. This compares to Regional NSW's figures of $52,390 median and $65,215 average. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median will be approximately $60,314 and average $72,962, based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census places personal income at the 59th percentile ($851 weekly) and household income at the 39th percentile. Income distribution shows 33.3% (3,042 individuals) in the $1,500 - 2,999 range, consistent with regional trends at 29.9%. Housing costs allow for 88.8% retention, 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

The dwelling structure in Moree, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.0% houses and 17.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional NSW's 83.6% houses and 16.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Moree was at 32.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.8% and rented ones at 39.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,326, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Moree was $230, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Moree's mortgage repayments were 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 fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 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 account for 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, aligning 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 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, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (29.4%). Educational participation is high, with 37.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 15.8% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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

Moree has 193 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 24 individual routes, collectively providing 289 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 296 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 92%, while 5% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.3% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 41 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per stop. The map accompanying this data shows 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 notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 53% of Moree's total population (~4,882 people) have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.0%) and arthritis (7.6%). About 68.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally typical for the region. Around 18.2% of Moree's population is aged 65 and over (1,662 people), lower than the 23.4% seen in Regional NSW. National rankings indicate higher health outcomes for this age group compared to the general population.

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 was the main religion in Moree, comprising 70.4% of people, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.0%), English (26.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.0%), which was substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Notably, Lebanese representation in Moree was overrepresented 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 has a median age of 38 years, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 but equivalent to the national norm of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years shows strong representation in Moree at 15.4%, compared to Regional NSW. However, the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent in Moree at 9.9%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.4% to 15.4% of Moree's population, while the 0 to 4 age group has risen from 6.7% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 14.1% to 12.5%, and the 45 to 54 age group has dropped from 12.3% to 11.0%. Demographic modeling suggests that Moree's age profile will change significantly by 2041. Leading this demographic shift, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 593 people and reaching a total of 2,000 from its current figure of 1,406. The 55 to 64 age group is expected to grow more modestly at 7%, with an increase of only 73 residents.