[4] As of the census[10] of 2000, 20,871 people, 7,775 households, and 5,675 families resided in the county.

The population density was 23 people per square mile (8.9 people/km2).

Of the 7,775 households, 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were not families.

About 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

School districts: The county is in the service area of Angelina College.