2000 36,019 1990 30,315 1980 29,163 1970 26,932 1960 24,927 1950 22,950 1940 20,839 1930 20,448 1920 19,880 1910 20,520 1900 21,478 1890 22,335 1880 22,501 1870 21,514 1860 20,681 1850 18,615 1840 16,843 1830 8,262
As of the census of 2000, there were 36,019 people, 12,374 households, and 9,119 families residing in the county. The population density was 75 people per square mile (29/km²). There were 13,505 housing units at an average density of 28 per square mile (11/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 94.87% White, 2.93% Black or African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.42% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. 1.14% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 24.6% were of American, 22.8% German, 12.7% English and 11.3% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 12,374 households out of which 34.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.40% were married couples living together, 7.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.30% were non-families. 22.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.60% under the age of 18, 13.20% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 21.60% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 108.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,882, and the median income for a family was $45,916. Males had a median income of $31,989 versus $22,029 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,163. About 6.40% of families and 8.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.30% of those under age 18 and 10.40% of those age 65 or over.