As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 11,732 people, 4,639 households, and 3,261 families in the county. The population density was 8 people per square mile. There were 6,608 housing units at an average density of 5 per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 93.53% White, 0.14% Black or African American, 2.88% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 0.57% from other races, and 2.04% from two or more races. 2.05% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 21.1% were of German, 13.2% English, 10.2% United States or American, 9,2% Irish and 5.7% Norwegian ancestry. There were 4,639 households out of which 29.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.50% were married couplesliving together, 8.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.98. The county population contained 26.30% under the age of 18, 5.50% from 18 to 24, 23.80% from 25 to 44, 29.50% from 45 to 64, and 14.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 100.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.60 males. The median income for a household in the county was $31,677, and the median income for a family was $36,977. Males had a median income of $36,951 versus $20,693 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,731. About 13.60% of families and 18.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.60% of those under age 18 and 6.40% of those age 65 or over.
2010 census
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 13,001 people, 5,479 households, and 3,628 families residing in the county. The population density was. There were 7,936 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the county was 91.6% Caucasian, 3.8% American Indian, 0.6% Asian, 0.4% black or African American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 0.7% from other races, and 2.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.0% of the population. In terms of ancestry, Of the 5,479 households, 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.8% were non-families, and 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.84. The median age was 47.8 years. The median income for a household in the county was $38,896 and the median income for a family was $46,971. Males had a median income of $45,728 versus $26,128 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,546. About 13.6% of families and 18.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.2% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.
