As of the census of 2000, there were 7,587 people, 2,914 households, and 2,141 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,662.7 people per square mile (642.4/km²). There were 3,063 housing units at an average density of 671.3/sq mi (259.3/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 81.69% Caucasian, 15.99% Black, 0.20% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.70% from other races, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.
There were 2,914 households out of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the town the population was spread out with 31.1% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $44,627, and the median income for a family was $56,538. Males had a median income of $42,469 versus $27,253 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,519. About 8.1% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.