Those working in the sector have seen a significant increase in the hours they work as well.
There has been a 53% increase in the number of people providing regular unpaid care since 2016.
Figures from last year Census show Offaly had the highest proportion of unpaid carers in the midlands, at 6.4%.
That's followed by 6% in Laois and 5.8% in Westmeath.
Statistician with the Census section of the CSO, Sheelagh Bonham says the number of hours of care also saw an increase between 2016 and last year: