As of the census of 2000, there were 47,045 people, 18,955 households, and 12,567 families residing in the city. The population density was 636.0 people per square mile (245.6/km²). There were 21,255 housing units at an average density of 287.3/sq mi (110.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 87.18% White, 3.91% African American, 2.12% Native American, 1.00% Asian, 0.58% Pacific Islander, 2.36% from other races, and 2.84% from two or more races. 4.74% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 18,955 households out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.8% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,227, and the median income for a family was $39,113. Males had a median income of $29,841 versus $20,865 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,471. 14.8% of the population and 11.1% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 21.1% of those under the age of 18 and 10.8% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.