That's according to new figures from the CSO.
Over 150,000 people in the midlands were in employment between July and September.
Latest figures from the CSO shows 8,000 people were unemployed in the region in the same time period, which represents a rate of just under five percent.
Nationally, 74% of people aged between 16 and 64 were working equating to 2.7 million of the country's population.
Nearly 130,000 15-to-74-year-olds were out-of-work during the third quarter of the year.
Sam Scriven from the CSO's Labour and Earnings division, says most sectors saw increases in the numbers of workers in the past year:
Gardaí Release Men Held Over Offaly Fire Bombing
Man Dies In Laois Collision
€114m Westmeath Wastewater Upgrade Complete
Mary O’Rourke Praised As “Hard Working” At Bridge Naming Ceremony
No Mini Budget Planned Despite Pressure Over Fuel And Energy Prices
Africa Day Celebrations Kick Off Across The Midlands
Tánaiste Hails ‘Proof’ Of Help to Buy Scheme Success Across The Midlands
Westmeath Woman Recounts Israeli Interception
Man Charged In Connection With Fatal Offaly House Fire
Mercosur Trade Deal Kicks Into Action Ahead Of European Court Ruling
Westmeath Woman "Deeply Ashamed" Of Spitting Incident
Taoiseach Pays Tribute To Mary O'Rourke At Bridge Dedication
Midlands Walking Club Celebrates 30th Anniversary This Weekend
OPW Minister Wants "Grown Ups" To Resolve Children's Science Museum Fallout
Offaly TD Criticises VAT Disparity For Beauty And Nail Salons
Laois Council Launches Clinics For Vacant Home Grants
Former Children's TV Presenter Revisits Midlands Towns On Nostalgic Journey
€7m Shannon Callows Flood Plans Facing Key Hurdles
Appeal Lodged Against New Lidl Development In Laois
Housing Completions Jump Sharply In Laois In Early 2026