Roma Surrounds

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

Roma Surrounds' population is approximately 6,299 as of May 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 310 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,989. The increase was inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,287 in June 2025 and an additional 137 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 5.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (3.5%) and the SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the area. Natural growth contributed approximately 45.3% to overall population gains during recent periods.

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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate a decline overall by 335 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 75 to 84 age group projected to increase by 71 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 3 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 5.3 people have moved to the area each year for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This high demand significantly exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $339,000, aligning 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 records somewhat elevated construction activity, at 20.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Nationally, construction activity is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 1002 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections indicate stability or decline, suggesting reduced housing demand pressures in Roma Surrounds, which benefits potential buyers.

Roma Surrounds has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives 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 diverse sector representation. As of December 2025, the unemployment rate is 2.1%. Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 5.4%.

In Roma Surrounds, 3,645 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. The workforce participation rate is 74.6%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 25.3% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries of employment among Roma Surrounds residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 9.0 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance has limited presence at 9.0% compared to Regional Qld's 16.1%. Employment opportunities exist locally, but many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the 12-month period ending in Roma Surrounds, employment increased by 5.4% while labour force grew by 6.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and an unemployment rate increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Roma Surrounds. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Roma Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 10.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates Roma Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers was $49,818 with an average of $56,901. This is lower than the national average and compares to Regional Queensland's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from financial year ending June 2023 to March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $55,477 (median) and $63,365 (average). Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly in Roma Surrounds, between the 31st and 42nd percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 30.6% of locals (1,927 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to surrounding regions where 31.7% occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 92.4% retained, but disposable income ranks below average at the 40th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

In Roma Surrounds, as per the latest Census, 97.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.9% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This contrasts with Regional Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roma Surrounds stood at 49.2%, with mortgaged properties making up 29.9% and rented ones comprising 20.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,114, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Roma Surrounds was $155, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, mortgage repayments in Roma Surrounds were significantly lower at $1,114 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $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 comprise the remaining 28.0%, with lone person households at 25.6% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which matches the Regional Qld average.

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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.4%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.5%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 29.8%.

Educational participation is 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 shows positive outcomes for Roma Surrounds residents. Mortality rates and health conditions align with national benchmarks, with low prevalence of common health issues across all age groups. Private health cover is low at 48% (around 2998 people), compared to Regional Qld's 52.5% and the national average of 55.7%.

Asthma and arthritis are most prevalent, affecting 8.7% and 8.5% respectively, with 69.3% reporting no medical ailments, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 67.6%. Working-age health outcomes are typical. The area has 21.1% seniors (1332 people), with strong health outcomes ranking nationally higher than the general population.

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 has a lower cultural diversity, with 87.6% citizens, 95.4% born in Australia, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, at 69.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 52.2%. Top ancestral groups are Australian (36.8%), English (29.8%), Scottish (9.4%).

Notably, German (4.9%) and Australian Aboriginal (4.7%) are overrepresented, while Irish is slightly higher at 8.8% compared to regional averages.

Roma Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Roma Surrounds is 42 years, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland's average, the 0-4 age cohort is over-represented at 7.1% locally while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 10.7%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.2% of the population, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 6.0% to 7.3%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has declined from 14.0% to 12.0%, and the 55-64 age group has dropped from 14.7% to 13.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Roma Surrounds. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 64 people (14%), from 458 to 523. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 77% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.