Plover’s modern demographic profile is defined by a period of explosive growth following its 1971 re-incorporation. While the original 19th-century settlement was a small river-bound village, the late 20th century saw Plover transition from a rural town to the primary residential and commercial engine of southern Portage County. Between 1970 and 2020, the village population grew by 416%, far outstripping the growth rates of both Stevens Point and the State of Wisconsin.
Racial and ethnic composition Historically a culturally homogenous settlement of European-descendant "Yankee" and Polish farmers, Plover has gradually diversified over the last 30 years as its economy shifted toward global food processing and retail. The "Hmong Influx" (2000–2020): One of the most significant demographic shifts occurred at the turn of the century as Plover became a destination for Hmong American families. The Asian population grew from less than 1% in 1990 to 5% by 2020, contributing to the village's cultural fabric through local businesses and educational contributions. Hispanic Growth: Reflecting national trends, the Hispanic and Latino community in Plover has increased nearly fivefold since 1990, driven largely by employment in the Central Sands' agricultural and food-manufacturing sectors.
Population history 2020 census As of the
2020 census, Plover had a population of 13,519. The median age was 38.2. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18 and 17.3% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 96.6 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 93.5 males age 18 and over. 97.8% of residents lived in urban areas, while 2.2% lived in rural areas. There were 5,717 households in Plover, of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 48.5% were married-couple households, 17.1% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 24.7% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. There were 5,936 housing units, of which 3.7% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.5% and the rental vacancy rate was 3.6%.
Socioeconomics and Education As of the 2020–2024 American Community Survey estimates, Plover maintains a significantly higher economic profile than its neighboring municipalities: Household Income: The median household income of $88,042 is roughly 15% higher than the state average and 20% higher than the Stevens Point metropolitan average. This wealth is largely concentrated in the newer suburban developments on the village's east side. Educational Attainment: Plover is a highly educated community; 42.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the Wisconsin state average of 33.4%. This is attributed to the village's role as a bedroom community for faculty and staff at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Poverty: Despite rapid growth, Plover has maintained a low poverty rate of 9.2%, which is consistently lower than the national average. ==History==