As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 8,807 people, 3,625 households, and 2,494 families in the county. The population density was 4 people per square mile (2/km2). There were 4,528 housing units at an average density of 2 per square mile (1/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.18% White, 0.16% Black or African American, 0.50% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.69% from other races, and 1.27% from two or more races. 5.28% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 31.7% were of German, 13.4% Irish, 11.3% English and 7.5% American ancestry.