As of the census of 2000, there were 11,229 people 4,339 households, and 2,733 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,611.7/km (4,175.1/mi). There were 4,861 housing units at an average density of 697.7/km (1,807.4/mi). The racial makeup of the city was 52.18% White, 40.56% African American, 0.65% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Highlander, 3.36% from other races, and 3.05% from two or more races. Hispanic or Lationo of any race were 8.94% of the population.

 

There were 4,339 households out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.0% were married couples living together, 25.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.23.

 

In the city the population was spread out with 27.8% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

 

The median income for a household in the city was $27,142, and the median income for a family was $32,374. Males had a median incomr of $33,915 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,468. About $17.3% of families and 22.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.2% of those under age 18 and 12.2% of those age 65 and over.

 

Ecorse has one public school district and one charter school district. Charles Drew Academy has grades Kindergarten through seventh grade. The public school district includes Ecorse Communtiy High School, Advance Pathway, an alternative high school, and two elementary schools. Bunch Elementary School includes grades pre-kindergerten through third grade. Grandport Elementary School houses fourth through seventh grades.