Roma

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

The analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch indicates that as of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Roma is around 7,207 people. This figure represents an increase of 369 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,838 people in the suburb. The estimated resident population (ERP) of 7,123, as calculated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, combined with an additional 98 validated new addresses since the Census date, contributes to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 92 persons per square kilometer, suggesting ample space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb of Roma experienced a growth rate of 5.4% between the 2021 Census and November 2025, outperforming the broader SA3 area's growth rate of 5.2%. This growth was primarily driven by natural increase, contributing approximately 68.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data, for each age cohort. Looking ahead, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period. According to this methodology, the suburb's population is expected to contract by 405 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are anticipated to grow, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to increase by 229 people.

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 shows Roma had around 9 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 47 homes. So far in FY26, 2 approvals have been recorded. This averages to about 4.7 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand outpacing supply which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $434,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

Additionally, $28.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Rest of Qld, Roma records 16.0% less building activity per person and places among the 13th percentile nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing homes. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 1291 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

With population expected to remain stable or decline, Roma should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Roma has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely to impact the area. Key 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.

The labour market strength in Roma positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Roma has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7%.

As of June 2025, 4,236 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.6% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was higher at 67.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Public administration & safety had an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while professional & technical services were under-represented at 3.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 5.1%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7, indicating above-average local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force grew by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.8% and a 0.2 percentage point increase in unemployment rate over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that median income in Roma is $54,538 and average income is $63,572. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Roma would be approximately $62,168 and average income would be around $72,466 by that date. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 74th percentile ($957 weekly) and household income is at the 47th percentile. Income brackets show that 36.6% of locals (2,637 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.3% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power.

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

In Roma, houses accounted for 90.0% of dwellings and other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and others made up the remaining 10.0%, according to the latest Census data. This is similar to Non-Metro Qld's dwelling structure, which was 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 in Roma was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. Weekly rent median was $250 compared to Non-Metro Qld's $230. Nationally, Roma's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 compared to 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 make up the remaining 35.2%, with lone person households at 31.7% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. 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 a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (33.3%).

Educational participation is 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. Six schools operate within Roma, educating approximately 1,651 students. The area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 945) and offers a mix of 2 primary, 1 secondary, and 3 K-12 schools. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (22.9 places per 100 residents vs 15.9 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 prevalent across all age groups, but slightly higher among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover in Roma is approximately 52%, or about 3,775 people, compared to the average SA2 area and the Rest of Qld at 49.2%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (10.7%) and mental health issues (8.4%). About 66.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Roma has 14.2%, or about 1,023 people aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 18.2% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to specific challenges they face.

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

Roma's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.1% of its population being citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Roma, comprising 60.8% of people, compared to 64.6% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (31.7%), English (27.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.1%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.0%, compared to 5.3% regionally, while Filipino ancestry was 1.9% versus 1.0%, and South African ancestry was 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 Rest of Queensland's average of 41 years and also under the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age cohort is notably higher at 16.2% compared to the Rest of Queensland's average, while the 65-74 year-olds are under-represented at 7.8%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 14.0% to 16.2%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 12.7% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 12.0% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Roma, with the 25 to 34 age group projected to grow by 14%, reaching 1,332 people from 1,167. Conversely, both the 0 to 4 and 45 to 54 age groups are expected to have reduced numbers.