As of the census of 2000, there were 2,315 people, 1,127 households, and 648 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,179.5 people per square mile (456.0/km²). There were 1,354 housing units at an average density of 689.9/sq mi (266.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 82.55% White, 14.95% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.26% from other races, and 1.90% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 1.04% of the population.
There were 1,127 households out of which 21.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.5% were non-families. 38.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.72.
The age distribution was 19.0% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 82.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,694, and the median income for a family was $35,450. Males had a median income of $28,566 versus $19,868 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,822. About 15.7% of families and 17.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.9% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.
Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, provides service to White Sulphur Springs under the Cardinal route.
White Sulphur Springs is serviced by Interstate 64 and U.S. 60.