As of the census of 2000, there were 55,195 people, 21,356 households, and 15,013 families residing in the county. The population density was 55 people per square mile (21/km2). There were 22,821 housing units at an average density of 23 per square mile (9/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.85% White, 0.16% Black or African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.89% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 44.1% were of German, 15.8% Norwegian and 5.8% Irish ancestry.