As of the census of 2000, there were 8,541 people, 3,207 households, and 2,286 families residing in the county. The population density was 17 people per square mile (7/km2). There were 3,530 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile (3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.35% White, 0.18% Black or African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. 0.71% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 10.4% of the population speak either German or Pennsylvania German at home.