Romsey

Romsey lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Romsey's population is around 11,575 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 810 people (7.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,765 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,489 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 18.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Over the past decade, Romsey has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.2% compound annual growth rate, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 53.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including interstate and overseas migration, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the area expected to grow by 4,734 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 40.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Romsey among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Romsey has recorded around 70 residential properties granted approval annually, with 354 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 30 so far in FY-26. At an average of 3.2 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $295,000, aligned with broader regional development. There have also been $7.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating a limited commercial development focus.

When measured against Greater Melbourne, Romsey shows approximately 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks within the 59th percentile of areas assessed nationally. New development consists of 94.0% standalone homes and 6.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low-density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 254 people per dwelling approval, Romsey shows a developing market.

Population forecasts indicate Romsey will gain 4,648 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Romsey has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 19 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Kilmore-Wallan Bypass, Gisborne Business Park Development, C153 Willowbank Road Commercial Rezoning, and Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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

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

Romsey has a skilled workforce, with the construction sector a particular standout in terms of representation, an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 6,490 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.9% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is on par with Greater Melbourne's 71.3%. Based on Census responses, a high 25.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in construction, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 5.4% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.8% while employment declined by 0.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%, labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Romsey. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Romsey's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Romsey SA2 is higher than average nationally, with the median assessed at $57,971 while the average income stands at $71,689. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,754 (median) and $77,603 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Romsey cluster around the 60th percentile nationally. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 34.6% of residents (4,004 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 32.8% in the same category. After housing, 86.3% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Dwelling structure within Romsey, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Romsey was well beyond that of Melbourne metro, at 36.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (53.0%) or rented (10.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Melbourne metro average at $1,928, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $365, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Romsey's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Romsey features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 79.9% of all households, comprising 37.6% couples with children, 31.9% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.1%, with lone person households at 18.3% and group households comprising 1.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Romsey performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (22.1%) substantially below the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (28.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Romsey, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 9 individual routes, collectively providing 453 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 892 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A high 25.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 64 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Romsey'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 indicates relatively positive outcomes for Romsey residents, with AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions showing results broadly in line with national benchmarks. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~6,354 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.9% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 67.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.3% of residents aged 65 and over (2,238 people), which is higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Romsey was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.0% of its population born in Australia, 91.2% being citizens, and 96.1% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Romsey is Christianity, which makes up 47.8% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Romsey are Australian, comprising 30.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 18.4%, English, comprising 29.3% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 20.1%, and Irish, comprising 10.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of Romsey (vs 1.1% regionally), Scottish at 8.6% (vs 5.6%) and Italian at 4.0% (vs 5.2%).

Romsey's population is slightly older than the national pattern

At 41 years, Romsey's median age is significantly above the Greater Melbourne average of 37 as well as somewhat older than the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Greater Melbourne average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (13.7% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (10.2%). Following the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.3% to 14.5% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.9% to 6.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 12.4% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 12.1% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Romsey's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 60%, adding 864 residents to reach 2,300.