As of the census of 2000, there were 16,842 people, 5,936 households, and 4,321 families residing in the county. The population density was 23 people per square mile (9/km²). There were 6,701 housing units at an average density of 9 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 91.92% White, 6.80% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. 0.84% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 5,936 households out of which 31.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.10% were married couples living together, 10.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.20% were non-families. 24.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the county, the population was spread out with 21.40% under the age of 18, 9.10% from 18 to 24, 31.70% from 25 to 44, 24.20% from 45 to 64, and 13.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 121.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 125.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $26,576, and the median income for a family was $30,973. Males had a median income of $27,879 versus $19,034 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,472. About 12.90% of families and 16.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.60% of those under age 18 and 19.60% of those age 65 or over.