As of the census of 2000, there were 2,295 people, 987 households, and 651 families residing in the county. The population density was 4 people per square mile (2/km²). There were 1,167 housing units at an average density of 2 per square mile (1/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 99.00% White, 0.57% Native American, 0.13% Asian, and 0.31% from two or more races. 0.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 987 households out of which 24.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.40% were married couples living together, 6.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.00% were non-families. 31.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.85.
In the county, the population was spread out with 21.40% under the age of 18, 6.90% from 18 to 24, 19.80% from 25 to 44, 26.20% from 45 to 64, and 25.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females there were 98.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,690, and the median income for a family was $36,076. Males had a median income of $24,583 versus $17,500 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,856. About 15.20% of families and 20.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.90% of those under age 18 and 8.30% of those age 65 or over.