The Tibetan Plateau is distinguished by its significant ecosystem service value (ESV); however, it is also characterized by a fragile natural environment, making it highly vulnerable to human activities. This study utilized data on permanent populations and land use to quantitatively assess the spatiotemporal dynamics and coordination between population distribution and ESV at the township level on the Tibetan Plateau from 1982 to 2020. The findings reveal an increase in population numbers and an uneven distribution, with concentrations in the Hehuang Valley, the valley area of “One River and Two Tributaries” in Tibet, and the southeastern edge of the plateau. Influenced by rapid urbanization in Hehuang Valley, the population gravity center shifted from a westward to a north-eastward direction. Meanwhile, the ESV increased from 1,243.3 billion yuan to 1,481.17 billion yuan, although the per capita ESV decreased. Additionally, the analysis showed a negative correlation between population and ESV, albeit with an improved degree of coordination over time. These results offer valuable insights for the development of national parks and sustainable strategies for the Tibetan Plateau.