As of the census of 2000, there were 14,681 people, 6,311 households, and 3,635 families residing in the city. The city, which is the smallest in Massachusetts, ranks second out of 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County by population, and 127th out of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Along with Pittsfield, the two cities are the only communities in the county with more than 10,000 residents. The population density was 718.3 people per square mile (277.3/km²), ranking it 2nd in the county and 140th overall. There were 7,088 housing units at an average density of 346.8/sq mi (133.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.99% White, 1.67% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.80% from other races, and 1.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.03% of the population.
There were 6,311 households out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.1% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.4% were non-families. 36.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.4% under the age of 18, 11.8% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $27,601, and the median income for a family was $37,635. Males had a median income of $30,292 versus $23,012 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,381. About 13.5% of families and 18.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.1% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.