One source contends that it was named for the Lackawanna River in eastern Pennsylvania,[6] while another claims that it comes from the French word for "lake" (lac) and the name of a Native American chief (Wannock) who lived in the area.

As of the census[8] of 2000, there were 2,561 people, 909 households, and 705 families residing in the township.

There were 952 housing units at an average density of 45.9 per square mile (17.7/km2).

The racial makeup of the township was 97.74% White, 0.86% Black or African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 0.35% from two or more races.

18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.