Is Plover Safe, Pros and cons of living in Plover

Plover, Wisconsin, offers a blend of small-town charm and growing opportunities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. This village, situated in Portage County, is known for its agricultural roots and its emergence as a significant hub for food processing and recreation. Plover provides a community feel while being a central part of the Stevens Point Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The village has experienced substantial growth, transforming from a smaller settlement into a key economic and residential center for southern Portage County. Its unique geography, characterized by flat plains and proximity to rivers, supports its agricultural economy and recreational appeal. Plover’s strategic location and development have positioned it as a noteworthy place to live and work.

Is it Safe to Live in Plover?

Plover demonstrates a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is considered slightly lower than the average for U.S. cities, earning it a “B” safety grade (as reported by PlainCrime). Violent crime occurs less frequently than in most of America, with a violent crime rate of 0 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

While violent crime is low, property crime rates are slightly above the national average. The property crime rate is 11 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Residents generally perceive the southern part of Plover as the safest, with crime rates varying by neighborhood (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Plover presents a mix of affordability and growth. The median home value in Plover is approximately $269,800 (as of 2024) (as reported by Data USA). However, other sources indicate a median listing home price of $227,500 (as of March 2026) (as reported by Realtor.com®) and a typical home cost of $339,488 (as of May 2026) (as reported by CommunityScale).

Rental prices in Plover are competitive, with the average rent for all bedrooms and property types around $1,025 (as of May 2026) (as reported by Zillow). The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $895 per month (as reported by Zillow). The homeownership rate in Plover is 58.9% (as of 2024) (as reported by Data USA), indicating a preference for homeownership among many residents.

Job Market and Economy

Plover’s economy is robust, with a strong emphasis on agriculture and food processing, leveraging the region’s fertile Central Sands area. Major employers in the village include Monogram Food Solutions and Basic American Foods, contributing significantly to local employment. The village also serves as a premier regional shopping destination, with substantial annual retail sales.

The employed population in Plover has seen growth, with approximately 7,010 residents employed (as of 2024) (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Plover is reported at 3.5% (as reported by Point2Homes). Key employment sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Finance & Insurance, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Plover experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and wet, with average high temperatures reaching around 81°F in July. Winters are cold and snowy, with average low temperatures in January dropping to around 7°F.

The village receives an average annual precipitation of 34 inches, with June being the wettest month. Snowfall averages around 48 inches per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Overall temperatures vary throughout the year, generally ranging from 9°F to 82°F, rarely falling below -12°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by Plover, Wisconsin).

Education and School Ratings

Plover is served by the Stevens Point Area Public School District, offering a range of educational opportunities for its young residents. The district includes elementary schools, and the village is home to Roosevelt Elementary School and Plover-Whiting Elementary School. Plover-Whiting Elementary generally shows a slightly higher statewide ranking and performs well in English Language Arts proficiency (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Both Roosevelt and Plover-Whiting Elementary Schools face challenges with high chronic absenteeism rates of 17.7% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in the 54467 zip code have an average math proficiency score of 35% and a reading proficiency score of 33%, which are below the Wisconsin public school averages (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Community Profile

Plover has a population of approximately 13,900 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with an estimated population of 14,531 in 2026 (as reported by Plover, Wisconsin). The village has a median age of 36 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up about 87.1% of the population, with smaller percentages of Asian and Hispanic residents (as reported by Point2Homes, Plover, Wisconsin).

The community is highly educated, with 42.2% of residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, exceeding the Wisconsin state average. This is partly due to its role as a bedroom community for the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. The poverty rate in Plover is low, at 9.24% (as reported by Plover, Wisconsin), which is below the national average.