As of the census of 2000, there were 15,413 people, 6,500 households, and 3,828 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,027.0 people per square mile (1,169.2/km²). There were 7,540 housing units at an average density of 1,480.8/sq mi (571.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.37% White, 1.86% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.55% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.67% of the population.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.2% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,755, and the median income for a family was $34,713. Males had a median income of $27,109 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,207. About 14.9% of families and 19.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.6% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.
Gloversville High School is the only high school in Gloversville and serves grades 9 through 12.