2000 9,065 1990 7,738 1980 7,153 1970 6,306 1960 7,092 1950 7,599 1940 8,167 1930 8,432 1920 9,311 1910 9,914 1900 11,840 1890 12,514 1880 13,336 1870 12,134 1860 12,698 1850 12,932 1840 9,920 1830 7,028 1820 3,934
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,065 people, 3,435 households, and 2,538 families residing in the county. The population density was 41 people per square mile (16/km²). There were 4,226 housing units at an average density of 19 per square mile (7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.78% White, 0.23% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 0.43% from two or more races. 0.86% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 37.2% were of American, 23.1% German, 11.6% Irish and 8.1% English ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 3,435 households out of which 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.70% were married couples living together, 10.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.10% were non-families. 21.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.30% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 24.60% from 45 to 64, and 12.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 101.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $37,092, and the median income for a family was $41,395. Males had a median income of $30,197 versus $21,324 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,466. About 10.60% of families and 13.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.40% of those under age 18 and 9.80% of those age 65 or over.