As of the census of 2000, there were 13,879 people, 4,964 households, and 3,504 families residing in the county. The population density was 14 people per square mile (5/km²). There were 5,673 housing units at an average density of 6 per square mile (2/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 75.86% White, 5.86% Black or African American, 11.37% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.58% from other races, and 6.09% from two or more races. 1.41% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 26.6% were of American, 10.3% Irish, 6.6% English and 6.1% German ancestry according to Census 2000. 97.4% spoke English and 1.4% Spanish as their first language.
There were 4,964 households out of which 31.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.90% were married couples living together, 10.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.40% were non-families. 27.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.60% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 29.10% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 14.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 117.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 119.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $24,752, and the median income for a family was $29,409. Males had a median income of $26,193 versus $18,861 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,919. About 15.70% of families and 19.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.40% of those under age 18 and 21.10% of those age 65 or over.