As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 8,628 people, 3,120 households, and 2,383 families residing in the township.

There were 3,302 housing units at an average density of 88.6 per square mile (34.2/km2).

The racial makeup of the township was 96.80% White, 0.89% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races.

There were 3,120 households, out of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.1% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families.

17.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.