As of theof 2000, there were 14,966 people, 5,467 households, and 3,651 families residing in the county. The was 8/km² (21/mi²). There were 6,088 housing units at an average density of 3/km² (8/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 71.19% , 0.97% or , 2.34% , 0.82% , 0.19% , 20.34% from, and 4.16% from two or more races. 41.41% of the population were or of any race.

There were 5,467 households out of which 35.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.50% were living together, 11.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.20% were non-families. 27.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the county the population was spread out with 27.20% under the age of 18, 15.90% from 18 to 24, 26.70% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 9.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 99.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,447, and the median income for a family was $38,389. Males had a median income of $27,733 versus $22,806 for females. The for the county was $15,037. About 15.60% of families and 21.30% of the population were below the, including 27.40% of those under age 18 and 13.90% of those age 65 or over.