As of the census of 2000, there were 4,215 people, 1,781 households, and 1,241 families residing in the city. The population density was 483.1 people per square mile (186.6/km). There were 1,870 housing units at an average density of 214.3/sq mi (82.8/km). The racial makeup of the city was 97.96% White, 0.55% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.69% of the population.
There were 1,781 households out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.85.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.9% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $42,078, and the median income for a family was $51,583. Males had a median income of $38,324 versus $20,904 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,456. About 4.3% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.
Camanche is considered a Bedroom community, which is a community that is primarily residential in character, with most of its residents commuting to a nearby town or city to earn their livelihood.