2007 49,663 2000 46,109 1990 38,835 1980 34,291 1970 29,430 1960 28,674 1950 25,141 1940 23,053 1930 21,056 1920 20,033 1910 21,396 1900 22,194 1890 23,364 1880 26,671 1870 24,116 1860 24,406 1850 20,166 1840 19,327 1830 13,974 1820 11,468 1810 7,310
As of the census of 2000, there were 46,109 people, 16,832 households, and 12,775 families residing in the county. The population density was 151 people per square mile (58/km²). There were 17,791 housing units at an average density of 58 per square mile (23/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.06% White, 0.62% Black or African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. 0.58% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 41.3% were of German, 18.5% American, 9.8% Irish and 8.8% English ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 16,832 households out of which 37.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.50% were married couples living together, 9.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.10% were non-families. 20.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the county the population was spread out with 27.60% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 30.20% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 11.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 98.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $48,899, and the median income for a family was $54,806. Males had a median income of $38,687 versus $26,148 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,431. About 4.80% of families and 6.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.20% of those under age 18 and 7.20% of those age 65 or over.