At the time of the 2000 Census, its population was 143, with an estimated 122 people as of 2009.

It was originally named Avon Township, but renamed Advance in 1905.

[4][5] Some early settlers in the township migrated here from the nearby Icelandic communities.

[7] Backoo, a town of approximately 50 people northwest of Cavalier, was the most prominent population center in the township.

[6] It was established in 1887 as a townsite on the Great Northern Railroad.