As of the census of 2000, there were 8,098 people, 3,109 households, and 2,117 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,203.9 people per square mile (851.9/km²). There were 3,623 housing units at an average density of 986.0/sq mi (381.2/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 33.97% White, 51.11% African American, 0.83% Native American, 3.59% Asian, 0.37% Pacific Islander, 4.88% from other races, and 5.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.89% of the population.
There were 3,109 households out of which 40.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% were married couples living together, 20.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 2.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the town the population was spread out with 30.3% under the age of 18, 16.9% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 14.7% from 45 to 64, and 4.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females there were 100.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $27,322, and the median income for a family was $28,300. Males had a median income of $25,016 versus $17,979 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,683. About 22.6% of families and 23.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.4% of those under age 18 and 10.9% of those age 65 or over.