As of the census of 2000, there were 35,588 people, 15,854 households, and 8,687 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,302.5 people per square mile (888.8/km²). There were 16,705 housing units at an average density of 417.2 persons/km² (1,080.8 persons/sq mi). The racial makeup of the town was 86.09% White, 3.70% African American, 0.10% Native American, 8.13% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.34% of the population.
There were 15,854 households out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 6.8% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 45.2% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.86.
In the town the population was spread out with 20.0% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $52,066, and the median income for a family was $70,436. Males had a median income of $46,292 versus $35,171 for females. The per capita income for the town was $32,642. 6.1% of the population and 3.0% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 4.9% are under the age of 18 and 5.2% are 65 or older.
See also: Brighton (CDP), New York