As of the census of 2000, there were 3,663 people, 1,545 households, and 979 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,321.8 people per square mile (510.6/km2). There were 1,769 housing units at an average density of 638.4 per square mile (246.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.42% White, 3.25% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.09% from other races, and 1.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.13% of the population. There were 1,545 households out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.6% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.2% 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 2.86. In the city, the population was spread out with 21.4% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 23.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males. The median income for a household in the city was $28,117, and the median income for a family was $33,034. Males had a median income of $27,824 versus $18,882 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,298. About 7.4% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.6% of those under age 18 and 13.7% of those age 65 or over. The City of Etowah has a council-manager government. The Mayor sits as a Council member-at-large and presides over City Council meetings. In the event that the Mayor cannot preside over a City Council meeting, the Vice-Mayor is the presiding officer of the meeting until such time as the Mayor returns to his/her seat.