As of the census[REF] of 2000, there were 27,568 people, 9,765 households, and 7,519 families residing in the town.
In the town, the population was spread out with 26.2% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older.