As of the census of 2000, there were 5,508 people, 2,180 households, and 1,619 families residing in the county. The population density was 20 people per square mile (8/km²). There were 2,453 housing units at an average density of 9 per square mile (3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 99.02% White, 0.13% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.09% from other races, and 0.51% from two or more races. 0.33% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 2,180 households out of which 30.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.50% were married couples living together, 11.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.70% were non-families. 21.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.00% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 26.30% from 45 to 64, and 14.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 99.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $28,165, and the median income for a family was $34,949. Males had a median income of $25,938 versus $20,911 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,497. About 13.70% of families and 15.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.10% of those under age 18 and 21.10% of those age 65 or over.