Roma

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around the suburb of Roma, its population is estimated at around 7196 as of February 2026. This reflects an increase of 358 people, a growth rate of approximately 5.2%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6838 people. This inference is based on AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 7123 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. The resultant population density ratio is around 92 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Notably, Roma's growth rate of 5.2% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area at 3.8%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Primary drivers of population growth were natural growth factors contributing approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied where utilised. Looking ahead, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the area's population expected to contract by 405 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, specific age cohorts like those aged 25 to 34 are anticipated to grow, with projections indicating an increase of 229 people in this group.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Roma has received approximately 9 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 47 homes. So far in FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. An average of 4.7 new residents per year is associated with each home built between FY21 and FY25. This results in demand outpacing supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $434,000. In the current financial year, $28.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Roma has 16.0% less new development per person and ranks among the 13th percentile nationally, leading to relatively constrained buyer choice and interest in existing properties. This is indicative of market maturity and possible development constraints.

All new construction in the area consists of standalone homes, maintaining Roma's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1291 people, reflecting a quiet, low-activity development environment. With population expected to remain stable or decline, housing pressure in Roma should reduce, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Roma has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the region. 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 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.

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

Roma's workforce comprises skilled individuals with notable representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.7%, lower than the national average, and it has experienced a 5.2% employment growth over the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical aggregation. As of September 2025, 4,281 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.4% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

The workforce participation rate is higher than standard at 77.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data indicates that only 4.6% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Roma specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, but has lower representation in professional & technical services at 3.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 5.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Over the year ending September 2025, employment increased by 5.2%, while labour force grew by 6.8%, leading to a 1.5 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced lower growth rates and a smaller increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Roma's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2023 shows Roma's median income is $54,538 and average income is $63,572. This is below the national averages of $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) in Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $59,943 and average income $69,872, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 74th percentile ($957 weekly) and household income at the 47th percentile. The predominant income cohort is 36.6% of locals (2,633 people), earning $1,500 - 2,999 per week, similar to metropolitan regions at 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 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 evaluation, 90.0% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 10.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roma stood at 25.7%, with mortgaged properties at 27.1% and rented dwellings at 47.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in Roma was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Roma's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus 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 account for 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 make up 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, which is 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.3%). Educational participation is high at 33.1%, comprising 13.2% in primary education, 9.3% in secondary education, and 3.4% pursuing tertiary education.

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 indicates significant health challenges for Roma residents, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups, with approximately 52% of the total population (~3,769 people) having private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 10.7 and 8.4% of residents respectively, while 66.5% report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age individuals face significant health challenges with higher chronic condition rates. The area has 14.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,043 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present notable challenges, with national rankings 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, in a cultural diversity assessment conducted, showed figures below the average: 84.1% citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Roma, with 60.8%. This is higher than the Rest of Qld's 52.2%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian parents comprised 31.7%, substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%. English parents made up 27.9% and Australian Aboriginal 9.1%, both notably higher than their respective regional averages of 26.5% and 3.9%. Certain ethnic groups showed notable differences: German at 5.0% (vs 4.7%), Filipino at 1.9% (vs 0.9%), and South African at 0.4% (vs 0.5%).

Roma's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Roma is 35 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and also under the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort makes up 17.0% of Roma's population, compared to the Rest of Qld average, indicating an over-representation in this age group. Conversely, those aged 65-74 are under-represented at 8.1%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.0% to 17.0%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.4%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.6%. Population forecasts for Roma in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 9% (108 people), reaching 1,332 from 1,223. The demographic shift continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 54% of anticipated growth. However, the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.