As of the census of 2000, there were 5,034 people, 1,502 households, and 1,203 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,532.0 people per square mile (976.7/km²). There were 1,715 housing units at an average density of 862.6/sq mi (332.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 53.83% White, 1.63% African American, 0.91% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 40.09% from other races, and 3.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 90.50% of the population .
There were 1,502 households out of which 43.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 21.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.9% were non-families. 17.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.31 and the average family size was 3.77.
In the city the population was spread out with 34.7% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $20,015, and the median income for a family was $23,793. Males had a median income of $25,945 versus $18,458 for females. The per capita income for the city was $8,516. About 31.4% of families and 38.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 49.3% of those under age 18 and 30.0% of those age 65 or over.