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, as of Feb 2026, Moree's estimated population is around 9,136. This reflects an increase of 174 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,962. The change was inferred from the resident population estimate of 9,110 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 24 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 1.3%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed 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. Demographic trends forecast a significant population increase in the top quartile of locations outside capital cities, with Moree expected to increase by 2,591 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an overall increase of 27.8% 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Moree has seen around 5 new homes approved each year over the past five financial years to June 2021. This totals an estimated 29 homes. So far in the financial year 2021-22 (FY-26), 6 approvals have been recorded. The population of Moree has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $505,000, indicating that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In the current financial year, there have been $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 while it places among the 13th percentile of areas assessed nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. However, development activity has picked up in recent periods.

This activity is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and potentially pointing to planning constraints. Recent construction in Moree comprises 83.0% standalone homes and 17.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1301 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Looking ahead, Moree is expected to grow by 2,542 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

AreaSearch has identified ten projects that could impact the area significantly due to their potential influence on local infrastructure. Among these key projects are 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 projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Moree has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.6%. Employment stability has been maintained over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 5,234 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.3% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 74.6%, surpassing Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 8.3% of residents work from home. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Moree specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing 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%. Some residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels remained stable while labour force increased by 0.6%, leading to a 0.6 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force decline by 0.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 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, though this is a simplified 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 with an average of $67,024. This aligns with national averages and compares to Rest of NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $60,314 (median) and $72,962 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, Moree's personal income ranks at the 59th percentile ($851 weekly), while household income is 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, 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

Moree's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 83.0% houses and 17.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 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, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Moree was $230, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. 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 fairly typical 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

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 NSW's average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – 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 indicates 193 active public transport stops in Moree, consisting of a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 24 individual routes, collectively offering 289 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically residing 296 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most residents commute outward. The primary mode of transport is car at 92%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 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 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover stands at approximately 53%, higher than the average SA2 area (around 4,882 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (9.0%) and arthritis (7.6%). Notably, 68.4% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are largely typical. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (1,662 people), lower than Rest of NSW's 23.4%. National rankings for health outcomes are even higher than those of 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 Australian citizens, born in Australia (92.2%), and speaking English only at home (94.8%). Christianity is the predominant religion in Moree, making up 70.4%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.0%), English (26.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (16.0%), which is substantially higher than the regional average of 4.6%.

Notably, Lebanese (0.4%) and Serbian (0.3%) are overrepresented in Moree compared to regional averages of 0.2% each. Samoan representation is similar to the regional average at 0.1%.

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

The median age of Moree is 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 comprises 15.4% of Moree's population, higher than Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 9.9%, lower than Rest of NSW. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 13.4% to 15.4%, and the 0-4 cohort increased from 6.7% to 7.8%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 14.1% to 12.5%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Moree's age profile will significantly shift. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 42%, adding 593 people to reach 2,000 from the current 1,406. Meanwhile, the 55-64 group shows modest growth of 7%, with an increase of only 78 residents.