2000 14,048 1990 14,067 1980 15,570 1970 15,888 1960 14,792 1950 14,026 1940 13,783 1930 13,617 1920 14,084 1910 15,820 1900 17,213 1890 10,461 1880 8,020 1870 6,272 1860 4,122 1850 2,860 1840 1,226
As of the census of 2000, there were 14,048 people, 5,690 households, and 4,028 families residing in the county. The population density was 85 people per square mile (33/km²). There were 6,155 housing units at an average density of 37 per square mile (14/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.40% White, 0.12% Black or African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.17% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. 0.59% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 29.0% were of American, 24.0% German, 12.9% Irish and 10.8% English ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 5,690 households out of which 30.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.20% were non-families. 25.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.70% under the age of 18, 7.50% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 15.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 96.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $34,760, and the median income for a family was $41,758. Males had a median income of $30,172 versus $21,386 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,543. About 6.00% of families and 8.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.30% of those under age 18 and 8.60% of those age 65 or over.