Disclosed are methods and systems for modifying a data-synchronization interval for an access terminal based on a number of access terminals being served by a wireless access point in a coverage area. In at least one embodiment, an access terminal periodically polls at least one network device via the access point for synchronization data according to a first data-synchronization interval. The access terminal receives from the access point information indicative of a number of access terminals being served by the access point in the coverage area. The access terminal determines a second data-synchronization interval based at least in part on a comparison of the number to a threshold value. Subsequent to determining the second data-synchronization interval, the access terminal periodically polls the at least one network device for synchronization data according to the second data-synchronization interval.