2000 10,369 1990 10,369 1980 11,001 1970 10,969 1960 10,608 1950 10,678 1940 10,300 1930 10,103 1920 11,865 1910 12,950 1900 14,711 1890 13,973 1880 13,475 1870 11,103 1860 8,975 1850 5,941 1840 3,875 1830 2,010 1820 1,032
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,369 people, 4,183 households, and 2,877 families residing in the county. The population density was 31 people per square mile (12/km²). There were 4,729 housing units at an average density of 14 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.93% White, 0.15% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.11% from other races, and 0.52% from two or more races. 0.41% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 35.4% were of American, 24.3% German, 13.0% Irish and 7.9% English ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 4,183 households out of which 31.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.50% were married couples living together, 8.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.20% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.20% under the age of 18, 7.40% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 25.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 102.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $36,411, and the median income for a family was $43,550. Males had a median income of $31,200 versus $21,732 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,054. About 8.10% of families and 11.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.00% of those under age 18 and 11.80% of those age 65 or over.