New figures from the CSO show the population of both rural and urban areas was largely on the rise.
The number of people living in the midlands has risen by almost 8,000 in the six years to 2016.
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show the population of both rural and urban areas was largely on the rise.
Laois saw the biggest jump in population over the six year period - rising by 3,855 to 84,390 - according to the latest CSO study on Urban and Rural Life in Ireland.
The population in Westmeath increased by 2,579 to just over 88,000 - while in Offaly, it rose by 1,319 to 77,750.
While growth in the urban areas of the region was significantly greater, numbers living in both rural and urban parts increased.
Almost 133,000 people lived in rural areas in 2016, up by more than 3,500 on 2011.
Numbers living in towns rose by 12,000 to over 117,000.
Nationally, a third of the country's population live in cities.
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