As of the 2000 census, there were 16,712 people, 6,490 households, and 4,737 families residing in the county. The population density was 24 people per square mile (9/km2). There were 7,018 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile (4/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 97.27% White, 0.22% Black or African American, 0.65% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.53% of the population.