As of the census of 2000, there were 6,682 people residing in the city limits, in 2,874 households and 1,813 families. The population density was 692.2 people per square mile (267.4/km²). There were 3,283 housing units at an average density of 340.1/sq mi (131.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 60.72% White, 37.19% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.32% of the population.
There were 2,874 households out of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.6% were married couples living together, 16.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.8% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 23.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 82.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $36,209, and the median income for a family was $53,056. Males had a median income of $37,342 versus $26,693 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,037. About 13.1% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.3% of those under age 18 and 13.7% of those age 65 or over.