As of the census of 2000, there were 1,410 people, 580 households, and 399 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,358.9 people per square mile (523.5/km²). There were 665 housing units at an average density of 640.9/sq mi (246.9/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 57.94% White, 40.50% African American, 0.71% Native American, 0.07% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.64% of the population.
There were 580 households out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 21.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.2% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the town the population was spread out with 24.0% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 74.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 68.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $25,833, and the median income for a family was $36,406. Males had a median income of $30,714 versus $19,583 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,451. About 16.5% of families and 21.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.9% of those under age 18 and 31.4% of those age 65 or over.