Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,152 km² (1,217 mi²). 2,164 km² (836 mi²) of it is land and 988 km² (381 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 31.34% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 265,612 people, 107,989 households, and 67,709 families residing in the county. The population density is 123/km² (318/mi²). There are 122,600 housing units at an average density of 57/km² (147/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 95.74% White, 1.06% Black or African American, 0.29% Native American, 1.40% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. 0.95% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 107,989 households out of which 30.10% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.10% are married couples living together, 9.50% have a female householder with no husband present, and 37.30% are non-families. 28.40% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.38 and the average family size is 2.95.
In the county the population is spread out with 23.30% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 31.30% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 13.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females there are 93.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $44,048, and the median income for a family is $54,485. Males have a median income of $35,850 versus $27,935 for females. The per capita income for the county is $23,949. 7.90% of the population and 5.20% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.10% are under the age of 18 and 7.40% are 65 or older.
Cities and towns