As of the census of 2000, there were 13,935 people, 5,583 households, and 3,187 families residing in the city. The population density was 531.1 people per square mile (205.0/km²). There were 6,436 housing units at an average density of 245.3/sq mi (94.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 58.89% White, 38.56% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. 1.30% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 5,583 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.6% were married couples living together, 17.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.9% were non-families. 33.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.98.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.6% under the age of 18, 24.2% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 17.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females there were 86.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.8 males. Of the reported population, 78.2% were born in the state of Alabama. The percentage of foreign-born residents was 2.8% and 16.2% of those individuals were naturalized citizens.
The median income for a household in the city was $25,352, and the median income for a family was $39,601. Males had a median income of $29,190 versus $20,368 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,589. About 17.7% of families and 23.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.5% of those under age 18 and 19.8% of those age 65 or over.