Roma Surrounds

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

Roma Surrounds' population was approximately 6,313 as of November 2025, indicating an increase of 324 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,989. This growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,248 in June 2024 and an additional 134 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was around 0.10 persons per square kilometer. Roma Surrounds' growth rate of 5.4% exceeded the SA3 area's 5.2%, making it a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 51.0% to overall population gains, with other factors like interstate and overseas migration also being positive. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

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, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. Population projections indicate a decline of 319 persons by 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 75 to 84 group are expected 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 received approximately 11 dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 59 homes were approved, with an additional 3 approved so far in FY26. On average, around 5.3 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these five years.

This high demand relative to new supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new properties is $339,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In FY26, there have been $5.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Roma Surrounds has experienced somewhat elevated construction activity, recording 22.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, recent periods have seen a moderation in development activity. Nationally, development activity is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. All recent building activity consists of detached houses, preserving 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, indicating a quiet, low activity development environment. Population projections suggest stability or decline in Roma Surrounds, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

Roma Surrounds has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could affect the region. Notable initiatives include Maranoa Pump Track Community Infrastructure, Carnarvon Highway Culvert Replacement North of Roma (scheduled for completion by December 2021), Roma Airport General Aviation Apron Upgrade (commenced July 2020), and Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre Redevelopment (expected to finish in late 2022). The following list details projects likely to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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. Its unemployment rate is 2.0% as of September 2025.

The area saw an estimated employment growth of 5.6% over the past year. As of September 2025, there are 3,634 residents in work and the unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation stands at 63.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has a particularly strong presence with an employment share nine times the regional level. 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 analysis. Between September 2024 and 2025, employment increased by 5.6%, labour force grew by 6.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Roma Surrounds's employment mix indicates 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 released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Roma Surrounds SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $47,759 and an average of $55,936. This was lower than the national average. Rest of Qld's median was $50,780 with an average of $64,844. As of September 2025, estimates suggest a median income of approximately $54,440 and an average of $63,761 based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. 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 (1,931 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. Housing costs are manageable with 92.4% retained. 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

In Roma Surrounds, as per the latest Census evaluation, 97.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 90.3% houses and 9.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roma Surrounds stood at 49.2%, with mortgaged properties at 29.9% and rented dwellings at 20.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,114, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,300. The median weekly rent in Roma Surrounds was $155, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863, while rents averaged $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 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 has university qualification rates of 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%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (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.

Health outcomes in Roma Surrounds are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Roma Surrounds. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,030 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 8.7 and 8.5% of residents respectively, while 69.3% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. The area has 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,303 people), which is higher than the 18.2% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

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 was found to have lower cultural diversity, with 87.6% of its population being citizens, 95.4% born in Australia, and 98.3% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion is Christianity, comprising 69.7% of the population, compared to 64.6% across Rest of Qld. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (36.8%), English (29.8%), and Scottish (9.4%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented 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 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but higher than the Australian median of 38 years. The 0-4 cohort is over-represented at 6.9% locally compared to Rest of Qld's average, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 10.3%. From the 2021 Census to present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 8.9% to 10.3%, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.7% to 13.2%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 14.0% to 12.5%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Roma Surrounds: the 75-84 age cohort is projected to expand by 65 people (15%), from 441 to 507. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 69% of projected growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.