Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,847 km² (1,099 mi²). 2,845 km² (1,098 mi²) of it is land and 2 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.07% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 32,458 people, 10,852 households, and 7,856 families residing in the county. The population density is 11/km² (30/mi²). There are 11,650 housing units at an average density of 4/km² (11/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 74.85% White, 1.62% Black or African American, 0.63% Native American, 2.05% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 18.17% from other races, and 2.56% from two or more races. 37.68% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 10,852 households out of which 40.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.90% are married couples living together, 9.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.60% are non-families. 22.70% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.92 and the average family size is 3.42.
In the county the population is spread out with 31.10% under the age of 18, 11.20% from 18 to 24, 29.40% from 25 to 44, 17.30% from 45 to 64, and 11.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 30 years. For every 100 females there are 107.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 105.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $37,860, and the median income for a family is $42,734. Males have a median income of $27,189 versus $22,165 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,721. 12.40% of the population and 9.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.40% are under the age of 18 and 8.40% are 65 or older.