As of the census of 2000, there were 17,423 people, 6,984 households, and 4,986 families residing in the county. The population density was 57 people per square mile (22/km2). There were 8,409 housing units at an average density of 28 per square mile (11/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.58% White, 1.43% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.62% from other races, and 0.94% from two or more races. 3.63% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.