As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 5,972 people, 1,863 households, and 1,386 families in the county. The population density was 3 people per square mile (1/km2). There were 2,133 housing units at an average density of 0.9 per square mile (0.4/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 74.16% Native American, 24.15% White, 0.03% Black or African American, 0.12% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 1.42% from two or more races. 0.85% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 14.2% were of German ancestry. 84.6% spoke English and 14.4% Dakota as their first language.