Roma
Statistical Area - sa2

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

Roma's population was around 7,207 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 369 people from the 2021 Census figure of 6,838, representing a growth rate of 5.4%. This change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,123 in June 2024 and an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date. Roma's population density stood at 92 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential for further development. The area's growth rate exceeded that of its SA3 region, which was 5.2%. Natural growth contributed approximately 67.6% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, were used. However, these state projections lacked age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. According to these projections, the area's population is expected to decline by 405 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, notably the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 228 people.

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

Roma averaged approximately nine new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, totalling 47 homes. As of FY26, two approvals have been recorded. On average, each home built resulted in about 4.7 new residents per year during this period, indicating a significant demand outpacing supply which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction cost value for new properties was $300,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

This financial year has seen $28.3 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Roma records 16.0% less building activity per person and ranks among the 13th percentile nationally for areas assessed, implying limited buyer options while reinforcing demand for established dwellings. This lower-than-average national activity reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been exclusively detached houses, preserving Roma's traditional low-density character focused on family homes.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1393 people, reflecting its quiet, low-activity development environment. With a stable or declining population expected, Roma should experience reduced pressure on housing, potentially presenting buying opportunities.

Roma has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 6 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre Redevelopment, Community Housing Limited Roma Social Housing, Roma Hospital Redevelopment, and Bowen Street Roma Priority Development Area. 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.

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.

Employment performance in Roma ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

Roma has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.4%, lower than the Queensland average of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%. As of June 2025, there are 4,236 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% and workforce participation at 67.0%, higher than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety has a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 3.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 5.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Over the past year, Roma saw employment increase by 4.7%, labour force grow by 5.7%, and unemployment rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with a smaller unemployment rise of 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May 2025, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Roma's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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

In financial year 2022, Roma had a median taxpayer income of $54,538 and an average income of $63,572. Nationally, the median was $50,780 and the average was $64,844. By September 2025, adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,168 (median) and $72,466 (average). According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 74th percentile ($957 weekly), while household income was at the 48th percentile. In Roma, 36.6% of individuals fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. After housing costs, residents retained 88.3% of their income.

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

In Roma, as per the latest Census, 90.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 10.0% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roma stood at 25.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 47.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average, while the median weekly rent was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $1,300 and $230 respectively. Nationally, Roma's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 64.8% of all households, including 27.7% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.4 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 33.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.2% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 3.4% in tertiary education. Six schools operate within Roma, educating approximately 1,651 students. The educational mix includes two primary, one secondary, and three K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (23.0 places per 100 residents vs 16.0 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Roma is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Roma faces significant health challenges with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, particularly among older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 51% of the total population (~3,689 people), slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 10.7 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point five percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Fourteen point two percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,024 people), lower than the 18.2% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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

Roma had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 84.1% citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Roma, accounting for 60.8%, compared to 64.6% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (31.7%), English (27.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.1%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.0% in Roma versus 5.3% regionally, Filipino at 1.9% compared to 1.0%, and South African at 0.4% versus 0.3%.

Roma's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Roma is 35 years, which is lower than the average for the Rest of Queensland at 41 years, and also below the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is notably higher in Roma at 16.2%, compared to the Rest of Queensland's average. Conversely, the 65-74 age group is under-represented in Roma at 7.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 14.0% to 16.2%, while the 15-24 cohort has risen from 14.2% to 15.2%. However, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.6% to 12.7%, and the 45-54 age group has fallen from 12.0% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for Roma in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 25-34 age group expected to grow by 14% (an increase of 160 people), reaching a total of 1,332 from its current figure of 1,171. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 45-54 age groups are projected to have reduced numbers.