As of the census of 2000, there were 8,526 people, 3,264 households, and 2,268 families residing in the town. The population density was 121.6 people per square mile (47.0/km2). There were 3,449 housing units at an average density of 49.2 per square mile (19.0/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.40% White, 0.50% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.24% of the population.