As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 8,615 people, 3,310 households, and 2,442 families residing in the township.

There were 3,478 housing units at an average density of 269.1 per square mile (103.9/km2).

The racial makeup of the township was 93.63% White, 3.46% African American, 0.62% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.62% from other races, and 1.31% from two or more races.

There were 3,310 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.2% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families.

20.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.