As of the census of 2000, there were 7,820 people, 2,950 households, and 1,911 families residing in the city.[3] The population density was 977.6 people per square mile (377.4/km²). There were 2,950 housing units at an average density of 368.8/sq mi (142.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 64.3% White, 33.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.4% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. 1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 2,739 households out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.4% were married couples living together, 18.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.2% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 12% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.7% under the age of 18, 13.4% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.4 years. For every 100 females there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $27,226, and the median income for a family was $34,605. Males had a median income of $30,149 versus $21,369 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,093. About 20.0% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.0% of those under age 18 and 19.0% of those age 65 or over.