2000 73,403 1990 74,169 1980 80,934 1970 83,955 1960 75,741 1950 62,156 1940 55,813 1930 51,066 1920 51,353 1910 51,426 1900 54,693 1890 31,493 1880 23,618 1870 18,487 1860 15,797 1850 11,092 1840 4,875
As of the census of 2000, there were 73,403 people, 28,319 households, and 19,568 families residing in the county. The population density was 177 people per square mile (68/km²). There were 30,560 housing units at an average density of 74 per square mile (28/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 89.23% White, 7.19% Black or African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.02% from other races, and 1.53% from two or more races. 2.43% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 23.0% were of American, 21.0% German, 11.7% English and 7.9% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 28,319 households out of which 29.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.70% were married couples living together, 11.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.90% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.60% under the age of 18, 11.80% from 18 to 24, 25.80% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 15.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 92.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,162, and the median income for a family was $44,304. Males had a median income of $100,767 versus $23,801 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,003. About 8.40% of families and 11.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.10% of those under age 18 and 8.70% of those age 65 or over.