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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Moree's population is estimated at around 9,130 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 168 people (1.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,962 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 9,110 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2.4 persons per square kilometer. Moree's 1.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's 0.8%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the Moree statistical area (Lv2) was primarily driven by natural growth, contributing approximately 75.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. According to demographic trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside capital cities is forecasted, with the Moree (SA2) expected to increase by 2,598 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 27.9% in total over the 17 years.

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 home approvals annually over the past five financial years ending 30 June 2021, totalling around 29 homes. As of 6 July 2021, six approvals have been recorded in fiscal year 2026. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with varied buyer choices. The average expected construction cost for new homes is $505,000, suggesting developers target the premium market segment.

In fiscal year 2021, commercial approvals amounted to $10.9 million, reflecting 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 in terms of development activity as of June 2021. This results in relatively constrained buyer choices, supporting interest in existing homes. However, recent periods have seen increased development activity, which remains below average nationally due to the area's maturity and potential planning constraints.

Recent construction comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Moree's traditional low-density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1301 people as of June 2021. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Moree is projected to grow by 2,551 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and supporting price increases in the future.

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 affecting the 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. 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.

Moree has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Moree has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 3.6%. This rate is 0.3% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%, as of September 2025.

The workforce participation rate in Moree is similar to that of the Rest of NSW, at 56.4%. Key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Moree has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 3.2 times higher than the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 11.1% of Moree's workforce compared to 16.9% in Rest of NSW.

Employment opportunities exist locally, but many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels in Moree increased by 0.0%, while the labour force increased by 0.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and a labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment during the same period. State-level data from NSW up to 25-Nov shows employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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's median income among taxpayers is $55,405 and the average is $67,024. This aligns with national averages. Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $60,314 (median) and $72,962 (average). The 2021 Census ranks Moree's personal income at the 59th percentile ($851 weekly) and household income at the 39th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 33.3% of locals (3,040 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the broader area where 29.9% occupy this bracket. 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

In Moree, as per the latest Census evaluation, dwelling structures comprised 83.0% houses and 17.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 83.8% houses and 12.1% 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 in Moree was $1,326, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent figure in Moree was $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Moree's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 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 make up 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 them, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (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

Transport analysis shows 186 active transport stops operating in Moree, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 24 individual routes, collectively providing 289 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 296 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 41 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per 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%, higher than the average SA2 area (~4,879 people). The most common medical conditions are asthma (9.0%) and arthritis (7.6%). 68.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 66.7% in Rest of NSW. 17.8% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,625 people), lower than the 18.8% in Rest of NSW.

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

Moree had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 77.9% citizens, 92.2% born in Australia, and 94.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 70.4%, compared to 68.1% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.0%), English (26.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.0%).

Notably, Lebanese representation was higher at 0.4% in Moree versus 0.2% regionally, Serbian at 0.3% versus 0.1%, and Samoan at 0.1% versus 0%.

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 of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 15.1% of Moree's population, higher than the Rest of NSW percentage, while the 65-74 cohort comprises 9.8%. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 13.4% to 15.1%, and the 5-14 cohort decreased from 14.1% to 13.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling predicts significant changes in Moree's age profile. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 45%, adding 618 people and reaching a total of 1,997 from the current 1,378. The 55-64 group will experience more modest growth of 4%, with an increase of 43 residents.