Roma

Roma has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Roma's population is around 7,196 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 358 people (5.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,838 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,123 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 92 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Roma's 5.2% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (3.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 67.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to contract by 405 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 228 people. See the age section for more details.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Roma according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Roma has experienced around 9 dwellings receiving development approval annually, totalling 47 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 4.7 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $300,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $28.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, Roma has 16.0% less new development (per person) and ranks within the 12th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Furthermore, recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The estimated count of 1393 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Roma may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Roma has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre Redevelopment, Community Housing Limited Roma Social Housing, Roma Hospital Redevelopment, and the Bowen Street Roma Priority Development Area, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Roma significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Roma has a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and 5.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,287 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.1% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (77.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. On the other hand, professional & technical services are under-represented, with only 3.7% of Roma's workforce compared to 5.1% in Regional Qld. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.0% alongside the labour force increasing by 6.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Roma. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Roma's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Roma SA2's income level is slightly lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Roma SA2's median income among taxpayers is $57,222 and the average income stands at $65,642, which compares to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,893 (median) and $72,147 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 74th percentile ($957 weekly), while household income sits at the 47th percentile. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 36.6% of locals (2,633 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, mirroring the metropolitan region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 88.3% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

Roma is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Roma, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Roma was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 25.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (47.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Roma's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Roma features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 64.8% of all households, comprising 27.7% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Roma fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (18.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 33.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Roma is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Roma, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags that of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~3,734 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.7 and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 66.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,043 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Roma was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.1% of its population being citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Roma is Christianity, which makes up 60.8% of people in Roma, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Roma are Australian, comprising 31.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%, English, comprising 27.9% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 9.1% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 5.0% of Roma (vs 4.7% regionally), Filipino at 1.9% (vs 0.9%) and South Australian at 0.4% (vs 0.5%).

Roma's population is younger than the national pattern

The 35-year median age in Roma is considerably lower than Regional Qld's average of 41 and similarly modestly under the 38-year national average. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (17.1% locally), while 65 - 74 year-olds are under-represented (8.1%). Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.0% to 17.1% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 7.0% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Roma. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 9% (105 people), reaching 1,332 from 1,226. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 55% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.