As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 8,721 people, 3,346 households, and 2,024 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,551.7/km² (4,018.8/mi²). There were 3,650 housing units at an average density of 649.4/km² (1,682.0/mi²).
There were 3,346 households out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.1% were married couples living together, 16.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.28.
In the town the population was spread out with 26.6% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $33,983, and the median income for a family was $37,047. Males had a median income of $26,476 versus $23,518 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,212. About 12.5% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.8% of those under age 18 and 12.3% of those age 65 or over.
