Demographics

As of the 2000 census, there were 8,196 people, 3,596 households, and 2,207 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,726.8 people per square mile (666.2/km2). There were 3,973 housing units at an average density of 837.0 per square mile (322.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.55% White, 2.13% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.12% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.77% of the population.

Of the 3,596 households, 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.1% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 34.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.86.

The city's age demographic was 22.3% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.

The median household income in the city was $25,358, and the median family income was $34,432. Males had a median income of $32,621, versus $18,765 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,671. About 13.9% of families and 18.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.0% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those age 65 or over.