As of the census of 2000, there were 3,498 people, 1,543 households, and 924 families residing in the town. The population density was 262.8/km² (680.1/mi²). There were 1,746 housing units at an average density of 131.2/km² (339.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 88.08% white, 0.60% African American, 5.29% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 0.14% from other races, and 0.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.31% of the population.

There were 1,543 households out of which 22.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them. 42.3% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.1% were non-families. 37.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the town the population was spread out with 20.0% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 23.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 83.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $23,309, and the median income for a fmaily was $34,141. Males had a median income of $25,183 versus $20,991 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,558. About 14.4% of families and 19.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.7% of those under age 18 and 20.0% of those age 65 or over.