Motley

The village of Motley began its life early in the 1870's due to the Lake Superior and Puget Sound Railroad Company, which ran east to west, but the community was sustained by an active lumber industry. The earliest settler was Calvin Priestly, sent by the railroad company in the autumn of 1872. In 1878, H.B. Morrison built a large lumber mill. In 1881, Curtis and Lawrence also opened a mill one-mile from the village–sawing lumber, shingles and lath. These two mills provided employment for arriving workmen and opened the door for settlement. Soon additional industries sprang up, as did a thriving retail community. A school, churches and other amenities were built.

In the 1920's, the lumber industry in Minnesota began to decline. As a result, other industries took its place. Raising animals for fur became profitable. A variety of animals were farmed such as skunk, fox, muskrat and beaver. Turkey farming has also been an important industry in the Motley area.

A Lake of the Woods fisherman came through Motley needing to get rid of his catch of fish. Ed Morey traded corn for the fish and selling the fish immediately was a must. Thus, Ed Morey found his calling. The Morey Fish Company was formed and launched Motley as a seafood producing center.

Motley is the intersecting point of U.S. Highway 10 and 210. Two beautiful rivers, the Long Prairie and the Crow Wing, flow through the community. Motley is home to the Morey Fish Company and Trident Seafoods Company. The beauty of the city and its advantageous location make Motley the ideal setting for business and good living.

Motley Industrial Park

Population

Total Population

671

Population
Growth Rate

-0.30%

Median Age

49

Diversity Index

22.200

Housing & Income

Households

311

Total Housing Units

340


Owner Occupied

203

Renter Occupied

108

Vacant

29

Median Home Value

$210,227


Average Home Value

$250,493

Income
Growth Rate

Median
Household Income

0.00%


Per Capita Income

3.36%

Income Projection

Median Household

$53,948 $61,617


Average Household

$69,926 $82,065


Per Capita

$32,451 $38,281

Workforce

Total Businesses

64

Total Employed

910

Workers 16+

292

2023 Wholesale Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

3

Employed

422

2023 Retail Trade Businesses

cp-industries

Businesses

17

Employed

248

2023 Food & Beverage Retailers

N

Businesses

6

Employed

170

2023 HealthCare / Social Assistance

cp-industries

Businesses

7

Employed

67

2023 Accommodation / Food Service

cp-industries

Businesses

6

Employed

62

2023 Gas Stations / Fuel Dealers

N

Businesses

4

Employed

58

Some
High School

32

Graduated
High School

197

Associates
Degree

65

Bachelor's
Degree

37

Graduate
Degree

16

Average Commute Time

21 min.



Resident Commuters

124

Non-Resident Commuters

165

Drive Alone

237

Carpooled

24

Public

2

Work At Home

5