As of the census of 2000, there were 19,680 people, 7,529 households, and 5,345 families residing in the county. The population density was 20 people per square mile (8/km²). There were 8,595 housing units at an average density of 9 per square mile (3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.71% White, 0.09% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 0.59% from two or more races. 0.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 57.9% were of German, 9.1% Polish, 5.3% American and 5.3% Norwegian ancestry according to Census 2000. 96.2% spoke English, 1.7% German and 1.2% Spanish as their first language.
There were 7,529 households out of which 33.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.30% were married couples living together, 7.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.00% were non-families. 24.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.10.
In the county, the population was spread out with 27.10% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 28.30% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 15.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 102.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.40 males.
The state of Wisconsin has jurisdiction over 120 miles (190 km) of state highways in Taylor County, including STH 13, 64, 73, 97, and 102. STH 13 runs north-south through the eastern half of the county and STH 73 is the major north-south highway in the western half of the county. STH 64 is the major highway running east-west through Taylor county. Through a contractual agreement with the state, the Taylor County Highway Department is responsible for maintenance of state highways and right-of-ways.
A network of 250 miles (400 km) of county highways serves Taylor County's rural areas. Major east-west highways include A, D, M, and O. Major morth-south routes include C, E, and H.
Towns in Taylor County are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of their individual town roads.
There is one designated Rustic Road in Taylor County. Dedicated in 1975, Rustic Road No. 1, a five-mile (8 km) long gravel road between STH 102 and CTH D near Rib Lake was the first Rustic Road in Wisconsin. This road crosses through scenic hills and valleys created be glaciers nearly 12,000 years ago. A historical marker alongside the road commemorates the designation.
The primary airport in the county is the Taylor County Airport. There are six other private landing strips in the county. Located in the Town of Deer Creek, approximately three miles southeast of the City of Medford in T.30N-R.2E Section 7, the Taylor County Airport is the only public airport in the county. It has a 4,100-foot (1,200 m) paved and lighted runway with an NDB non-precision approach. Services provided include: Jet A fuel, 100 low-lead AV gas, 24-hour fuel service, car rental, taxi service, large ramp/tie down area, flight instruction, and computerized weather briefing/flight planning service. The addition of an east/west 5,001 ft (1,524 m) paved and lighted runway and an automated weather observation system (AWOS) was completed in 1996. All runways are paved and in excellent condition.