There is a very rich history of Native Americans in Coke County. Many local legends are based on stories about Native Americans, and artifacts can be found throughout the county. Arrowheads, spearpoints, and other evidence of Native American habitation are commonly found on land in the area.
Wildlife is abundant and diverse in Coke County. White-tailed deer inhabit the area in large populations, drawing hunters in great numbers to the area in the fall and winter seasons. Other game animals such as Rio Grande turkeys, mourning and white-wing doves, and scaled (blue) and bobwhite quail are popular with hunters visiting the area. Native mammals such as the raccoon, opossum, bobcat, foxes, and skunks are also common. The Mountain Lion, or Puma, is also known to be seen occasionally. Coke County is home to many snakes and other reptiles, and boasts a large population of birds, both migratory and non-migratory. Imported exotic animals, such as the Blackbuck antelope and the fallow deer, are beginning to be seen in the county as free-ranging animals as well. Lakes, creeks, and the Colorado River support a number of species of fish in the area.
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,864 people, 1,544 households, and 1,068 families residing in the county. The population density was 4 people per square mile (2/km²). There were 2,843 housing units at an average density of 3 per square mile (1/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 88.85% White, 1.94% Black or African American, 0.78% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 6.94% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. 16.90% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 1,544 households out of which 27.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.40% were married couples living together, 8.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.80% were non-families. 29.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.84.
In the county, the population was spread out with 24.40% under the age of 18, 7.50% from 18 to 24, 20.50% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 24.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 100.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $29,085, and the median income for a family was $36,724. Males had a median income of $30,778 versus $19,596 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,734. About 9.70% of families and 13.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.00% of those under age 18 and 12.80% of those age 65 or over.