[23] At the 2000 census,[29] there were 3,738 people, 1,607 households and 1,110 families residing in the county.

The population density was 4 people per square mile (1.5 people/km2).

The racial makeup of the county was 91.60% White, 0.13% Black or African American, 0.62% Native American, 0.05% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 5.75% from other races, and 1.82% from two or more races.

There were 1,607 households, of which 25.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.10% were married couples living together, 7.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.90% were non-families.

29.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.