As of the census of 2000, there were 14,387 people, 5,663 households, and 3,505 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,013.0 people per square mile (391.2/km²). There were 6,525 housing units at an average density of 459.4/mi² (177.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 46.01% White, 49.27% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.99% from other races, and 0.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.02% of the population.
There were 5,663 households out of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.0% were married couples living together, 23.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.8% 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 3.13.
In the city the population was spread out with 28.4% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 87.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $22,193, and the median income for a family was $28,406. Males had a median income of $24,856 versus $19,417 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,657. About 23.0% of families and 27.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.8% of those under age 18 and 24.1% of those age 65 or over.
Moultrie is serviced by US 319, which connects to Interstate 75 and Interstate 10. State Road 37 and State Road 111 also run through Moultrie. The Chattahoochee and Gulf Railroad, and Greyhound are two transportation services provided in Moultrie. Moultrie also has two small airports, Moultrie Municipal Airport and Spence Airport.