Roma

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Roma is around 7,092. This figure reflects an increase of 254 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,838. The latest estimate of 7,083 by AreaSearch, based on examination of the ABS's June 2025 ERP data release and additional validated new addresses, indicates this growth. This results in a density ratio of 90 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person for further development. Roma's population growth since the 2021 Census exceeded that of its SA3 area by 0.2%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 68% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used. 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. According to this methodology, the suburb's population is expected to decrease by 401 persons by 2041. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group projected to expand by 175 people.

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

Roma experienced approximately 9 dwelling approvals annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS data. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 47 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26. Each year, about 4.7 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed during those years.

This supply lagged demand, indicating heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new dwellings valued at approximately $434,000 on average. In FY-26, $28.3 million in commercial approvals were registered, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Roma had 16.0% less new development per person and ranked in the 13th percentile nationally, implying limited buyer options but robust demand for established properties. All approved constructions were detached dwellings, maintaining Roma's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With an estimated 1291 people per dwelling approval, Roma had a quiet development environment. Population stability or decline is expected, potentially easing housing pressure and creating buying opportunities.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact this 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 likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Roma demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Roma has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, with an estimated employment growth of 5.0% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 4,287 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% below Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is high at 77.8%, compared to Regional Queensland's 64.5%. Census responses show that only 4.6% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Roma has a particular specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services are under-represented at 3.7% compared to Regional Queensland's 5.1%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.0%, while labour force grew by 6.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Queensland experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Roma's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not accounting for localised 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 figures of $53,146 median and $66,593 average in Regional Qld. Estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest median income could reach approximately $60,734 and average income around $70,794 by March 2026. 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% (2,595 people) in the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to metropolitan regions where this cohort represents 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

Dwelling structure in Roma, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.0% houses and 10.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Roma was at 25.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (27.1%) or rented (47.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Roma was $250, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Roma's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 compose 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 account for 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 Regional Queensland 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%, with 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 shows significant challenges for Roma, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age groups, with asthma and mental health issues affecting 10.7% and 8.4% of residents respectively. Approximately 52% of the total population (~3,715 people) has private health cover, higher than the average SA2 area. Sixty-six point five percent of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Fourteen point seven percent of residents are aged 65 and over (1,042 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings higher than those of 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.1% of its population being Australian citizens, 89.3% born in Australia, and 93.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Roma, comprising 60.8% of its population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Queensland. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups are Australian (31.7%, substantially higher than the regional average of 26.5%), English (27.9%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.1%, also substantially higher than the regional average of 3.9%).

Notably, German representation is overrepresented in Roma at 5.0% (vs 4.7% regionally), Filipino at 1.9% (vs 0.9%), and South Australian 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 Regional Queensland's average of 41 years, and also lower than the national average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.2% of Roma's population, compared to Regional Queensland's average, indicating over-representation in this cohort. Conversely, those aged 65-74 make up only 8.3%, showing under-representation. Post-2021 Census data reveals that the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.0% to 17.2% of Roma's population, while the 5-14 age group has decreased from 14.6% to 12.8%. By 2041, the 25-34 age group is forecasted to grow by 9%, reaching 1,332 people from 1,219. This growth will be led by demographic aging, with residents aged 65 and older contributing to 54% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 45-54 age groups are expected to experience population declines.