Roma Surrounds

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

Roma Surrounds' population is approximately 6,280 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 291 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,989. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,248 in June 2024 and 136 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Roma Surrounds' growth rate of 4.9% since the 2021 census exceeds the SA3 area's growth rate of 3.8%. Natural growth contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate a decline of 319 persons by 2041 according to these projections. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, with the 75 to 84 age group projected to increase by 80 people.

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

Roma Surrounds has recorded approximately 11 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 59 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 5.3 people have moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five financial years.

This high demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new properties is around $339,000, which aligns with broader regional development trends. In FY-26, there have been $5.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Roma Surrounds has somewhat elevated construction activity, recording 22.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

However, this is lower than national levels, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. This results in an estimated count of 1002 people in the area per dwelling approval, indicating a quiet, low-activity development environment. Population projections suggest stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers in Roma Surrounds.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 23 projects that could affect the area. Notable ones include Maranoa Pump Track Community Infrastructure, Carnarvon Highway Culvert Replacement north of Roma, Roma Airport General Aviation Apron Upgrade, and Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre Redevelopment. 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Roma Surrounds places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Roma Surrounds has a balanced workforce with representation from both white and blue collar jobs across various sectors. The unemployment rate in the area is 2.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.6% over the past year as of September 2025. At this time, 3,634 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 2.1%, which is below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

The workforce participation rate in Roma Surrounds is 74.4%, higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 65.7%. According to Census responses, 25.3% of residents work from home, though the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Roma Surrounds shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 9.0 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance has limited presence at 9.0% compared to the regional rate of 16.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. In the 12-month period ending in Roma Surrounds, employment increased by 5.6% while labour force grew by 6.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Roma Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.6% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Roma Surrounds SA2 had a median income of $49,818 and an average of $56,901. These figures are lower than the national averages. Rest of Qld's median was $53,146 with an average of $66,593. By September 2025, estimates suggest Roma Surrounds' median income would be approximately $54,755 and average $62,540, based on a 9.91% growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates incomes in Roma Surrounds rank modestly, between the 31st and 42nd percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The predominant income cohort spans 30.6% of locals (1,921 people), earning $1,500 - 2,999 annually. This pattern is also seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% fall into this category. Housing costs are manageable with 92.4% retained income. However, disposable income ranks at the 40th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Roma Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Roma Surrounds' dwellings in the latest Census were 97.1% houses, with other types at 2.9%. Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% others. Home ownership in Roma Surrounds was 49.2%, with mortgages at 29.9% and rentals at 20.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,114, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655 and the national figure of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Roma Surrounds was $155, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345 and Australia's $375.

Roma Surrounds has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 72.0% of all households, including 32.2% couples with children, 32.5% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

Roma Surrounds faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.0%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (29.8%). Educational participation is high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.8% in primary, 9.3% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.8% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Roma Surrounds's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data for Roma Surrounds indicates positive outcomes, with mortality rates and health conditions comparable to national benchmarks. Common health conditions are low across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at 48% of the total population (approximately 2,989 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 8.7% and 8.5% of residents respectively, with 69.3% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. There are 20.8% seniors aged 65 and over (1,308 people), with strong health outcomes ranking higher than the general population nationally.

The latest Census data sees Roma Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Roma Surrounds had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 87.6% of its population being citizens, 95.4% born in Australia, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 69.7% of people in Roma Surrounds, compared to 52.2% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (36.8%), English (29.8%), and Scottish (9.4%).

Notably, German representation was higher at 4.9%, Australian Aboriginal at 4.7%, and Irish at 8.8%.

Roma Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Roma Surrounds is close to 42 years, similar to Rest of Qld's average of 41, but higher than Australia's median of 38. In Roma Surrounds, the 0-4 cohort is over-represented at 7.0%, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 10.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.3%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has increased from 6.0% to 7.1%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.0% to 12.0%, and the 55 to 64 group has dropped from 14.7% to 13.1%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Roma Surrounds. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to expand by 62 people (14%), from 444 to 507. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 76% of the projected growth, while the 45 to 54 and 0 to 4 cohorts are forecasted to experience population declines.