Plover is a village in Portage County, Wisconsin, United States. A central hub of the Stevens Point Micropolitan Statistical Area, it is the most populous village and the second-largest municipality in the county. With a population of 13,519 at the 2020 United States census and an estimated 14,531 in 2026, Plover has emerged as a major regional center for agriculture, food processing, and "Silent Sports" recreation.
Situated within the "Central Sands" region of Wisconsin, Plover features a unique topography defined by a flat glacial outwash plain that transitions into rugged terminal moraines to the east. The village is known for its high-density irrigated cropland, lush recreational trails, and its position along the Wisconsin River and Little Plover River.
Demographics
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.
{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" style="font-size: 90%;"
|-
! class="unsortable"| Racial-ethnic composition
! 2020 !! 2010 !! 2000 !! 1990
|-
| White (Non-Hispanic)
| 86.6% || 92.8% || 96.8% || 98.2%
|-
| Asian
| 5.0% || 3.8% || 0.9% || 0.6%
|-
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
| 5.1% || 3.2% || 1.3% || 0.8%
|-
| Black or African American
| 1.3% || 0.5% || 0.4% || 0.2%
|-
| Two or more races
| 4.9% || 1.5% || 0.9% || 0.2%
|}
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.