Total Population
782
Population
Growth Rate
1.50%
Median Age
45
Diversity Index
16.800
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 ConAgra Foods. The beauty of the city and its advantageous location make Motley the ideal setting for business and good living.
Motley Industrial Park
Households
355
Total Housing Units
395
Owner Occupied
227
Renter Occupied
128
Vacant
40
Median Home Value
$131,081
Average Home Value
$163,938
Income
Growth Rate
Median
Household Income
1.49%
Per Capita Income
1.88%
Median Household
$37,787 $40,514
Average Household
$54,453 $59,603
Per Capita
$23,957 $26,295
Total Businesses
61
Total Employed
795
Workers 16+
304
2020 Wholesale Trade Businesses
Businesses
3
Employed
422
2020 Retail Trade Businesses
Businesses
17
Employed
112
2020 Accommodation/Food Service
Businesses
7
Employed
69
2020 Food Service/Drinking Estab
Businesses
6
Employed
63
2020 Gas Stations - Businesses
Businesses
4
Employed
63
2020 HealthCare/Social Assist
Businesses
6
Employed
60
Some
High School
29
Graduated
High School
179
Associates
Degree
44
Bachelor's
Degree
74
Graduate
Degree
20
Average Commute Time
0 min.
Resident Commuters
157
Non-Resident Commuters
147
Drive Alone
259
Carpooled
20
Public
0
Work At Home
5