As of the census of 2000, there were 17,003 people, 7,551 households, and 4,024 families residing in the township. The population density was 472.8 per square mile (182.6/km2). There were 7,987 housing units at an average density of 222.1 per square mile (85.8/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 84.97% White, 9.39% African American, 0.30% Native American, 2.26% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.08% from other races, and 1.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.33% of the population.