Council (LGA) · Area profile
Moree Plains
17,903 km²
Car travel is the primary way people get around in Moree Plains, where 67% of workers drive to their jobs. This is a rural community with a very strong First Nations presence, which is far above the national figure. While the population has shrunk by 5% since 2011, it remains a place of large family homes and a significant agricultural workforce. The area is marked by a mix of high full-time employment and notable challenges in education and crime rates.
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About one in five residents are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, a figure far above the state and national averages. The community is relatively young, with a typical age of 38 and a higher proportion of children under 15 than most areas.
The area is overwhelmingly Australian-born, with only 5.6% born overseas, which is far below the national figure. Most residents claim Australian, English, Irish, or Scottish ancestry.
English is the dominant language, and very few people speak little or no English. Only 3.7% of the population use a language other than English at home, which is far below the state and national figures.
Christianity is the most common religion at 53.9%. While the number of people reporting no religion has risen by 11 points since 2011, it remains among the lowest for its level at 22.6%.
Education levels are much lower than most areas, with only 35% of residents completing Year 12 and 11.5% holding a bachelor degree or higher. However, there are more schools per 1,000 children than in most other areas.
Typical household incomes are higher than in most similar areas, though still a little below the state and national figures. There has been a notable increase in wealth, with 16.1% of households now earning $3,000 or more a week.
Residents report fewer long-term health conditions and mental health issues than people in most other areas. Only 4.5% of the population need help with daily activities, which is a little below the national figure.
Volunteering is more common here than in the state average, though it has fallen since 2011. Rates of unpaid childcare and housework are much lower than most other areas.
First Nations people make up a large part of the community, though they face higher unemployment (13.2%) and lower Year 12 completion rates (25.4%) compared to other areas.
Families tend to be larger here, with one-parent families being much more common than in most areas. Nearly 30% of people live alone, and half of all households consist of couples with children.
Detached houses are far more common here than in the rest of the state. While rental rates are higher than most areas, typical weekly rents are far below the national figure at $210.
The area is heavily reliant on cars, with very few people using public transport. Public transport stops and departures are far below the state average, and only 10.2% of people work from home.
Residents are less likely to have moved in the last five years compared to the rest of the country. Interestingly, the proportion of recent overseas arrivals is well above the national average.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are the primary industries, employing 24.4% of the workforce. Full-time employment is much higher than in most areas, though the overall percentage of adults working or looking for work has fallen since 2011.
The area is ranked lower than most similar regions for overall advantage and access to money and resources. Recent population growth has also been well below the state average.
The region is warmer than most of New South Wales, with average maximum and minimum temperatures that are both higher than the state average.
Recorded offences are among the highest at this level, with property damage, assault, and drug offences being particularly common. The crime rate has risen by 31.6% over the last five years.
The area is mostly car-dependent, with a walkability score far below the state average. Many homes are far from public transport, groceries, and health services.