Demographics

2010 censusAs of the 2010 United States Census, there were 37,536 people, 10,611 households, and 7,887 families residing in the county. The population density was 80.0 inhabitants per square mile (30.9/km²). There were 11,280 housing units at an average density of 24.0 per square mile (9.3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.9% white, 0.9% Asian, 0.5% black or African American, 0.3% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 2.8% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 5.9% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 35.9% were English, 14.8% were German, 6.0% were Danish, 5.7% were American, and 5.4% were Irish.

Of the 10,611 households, 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.6% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 25.7% were non-families, and 10.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 3.44 and the average family size was 3.42. The median age was 22.6 years.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,461 and the median income for a family was $41,117. Males had a median income of $38,398 versus $22,440 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,735. About 21.4% of families and 32.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.9% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

2000 censusAs of the census of 2000, there were 27,467 people, 7,129 households, and 4,854 families residing in the county. The population density was 58 people per square mile (22/km²). There were 7,630 housing units at an average density of 16 per square mile (6/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 95.50% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 2.23% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. 3.92% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 30.6% were of English, 10.7% German, 10.2% American and 5.3% Danish ancestry.

There were 7,129 households out of which 39.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.10% were married couples living together, 5.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.90% were non-families. 12.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.66 and the average family size was 3.70.

In the county the population was spread out with 26.20% under the age of 18, 39.90% from 18 to 24, 16.00% from 25 to 44, 11.90% from 45 to 64, and 6.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 21 years. For every 100 females there were 90.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,607, and the median income for a family was $40,880. Males had a median income of $29,299 versus $18,628 for females. The per capita income for the county was $10,956. About 10.10% of families and 30.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.70% of those under age 18 and 10.10% of those age 65 or over.