2000 36,082 1990 36,897 1980 39,820 1970 39,246 1960 38,000 1950 28,201 1940 27,926 1930 29,032 1920 28,668 1910 29,350 1900 28,344 1890 25,823 1880 24,083 1870 21,052 1860 16,851 1850 11,304 1840 3,048
As of the census of 2000, there were 36,082 people, 13,716 households, and 9,806 families residing in the county. The population density was 96 people per square mile (37/km²). There were 15,299 housing units at an average density of 41 per square mile (16/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.69% White, 3.00% Black or African American, 1.08% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.46% from other races, and 1.42% from two or more races. 1.32% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 25.8% were of German, 25.6% American, 9.8% Irish and 9.1% English ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 13,716 households out of which 33.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.80% were married couples living together, 9.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.50% were non-families. 24.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.90% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 29.90% from 25 to 44, 23.30% from 45 to 64, and 12.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 103.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $39,184, and the median income for a family was $45,816. Males had a median income of $34,595 versus $21,311 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,726. About 6.00% of families and 8.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.90% of those under age 18 and 5.40% of those age 65 or over.