As of the 2000 census, there were 8,491 people, 3,710 households, and 2,203 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 4,350 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 69.12% White, 28.32% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.28% from other races, and 2.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population. 17.5% were of Italian, 9.8% German, 9.8% Irish, 6.7% Slovak and 5.0% English ancestry according to the census. 96.4% spoke English, 1.3% Italian and 1.1% French as their first language.
A.s of the 2000 census, there were 8,491 people, 3,710 households, and 2,203 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 4,350 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 69.12% White, 28.32% Africa.n American, 011% .Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.28% from other races, and 2.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population. 17.5% were of Italian, 9.8% German, 9.8% Irish, 6.7% Slovak and 5.0% English ancestry according to the census 964% spoke English, 1.3% Italian and 1.1% French as their first language.