As of the census of 2000, there were 8,538 people, 3,320 households, and 2,237 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,153.4 people per square mile (445.5/km²). There were 3,860 housing units at an average density of 521.4/sq mi (201.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 85.86% White, 0.81% African American, 1.46% Native American, 0.84% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 8.28% from other races, and 2.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 21.05% of the population.
There were 3,320 households out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.0% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 111.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $36,600, and the median income for a family was $42,137. Males had a median income of $33,179 versus $22,580 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,887. About 10.4% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.2% of those under age 18 and 17.7% of those age 65 or over.