As of the census of 2000, there were 17,579 people, 6,113 households, and 4,951 families residing in the township. The population density was 912.0 per square mile (352.0/km). There were 6,926 housing units at an average density of 359.3 per square mile (138.7/km). The racial makeup of the township was 93.55% White, 0.45% African American, 0.18% Native American, 2.14% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.18% from other races, and 1.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.46% of the population.