Total Population
788
Population
Growth Rate
1.44%
Median Age
46
Diversity Index
17.500
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
Households
360
Total Housing Units
401
Owner Occupied
233
Renter Occupied
127
Vacant
41
Median Home Value
$155,303
Average Home Value
$201,395
Income
Growth Rate
Median
Household Income
1.48%
Per Capita Income
2.42%
Median Household
$41,940 $47,726
Average Household
$56,648 $63,456
Per Capita
$25,083 $28,268
Total Businesses
65
Total Employed
925
Workers 16+
322
2021 Wholesale Trade Businesses
Businesses
3
Employed
422
2021 Retail Trade Businesses
Businesses
22
Employed
266
2021 Food & Beverage Stores
Businesses
7
Employed
178
2021 Gas Stations - Businesses
Businesses
4
Employed
63
2021 Accommodation/Food Service
Businesses
6
Employed
62
2021 HealthCare/Social Assist
Businesses
6
Employed
60
Some
High School
38
Graduated
High School
194
Associates
Degree
50
Bachelor's
Degree
61
Graduate
Degree
20
Average Commute Time
0 min.
Resident Commuters
144
Non-Resident Commuters
178
Drive Alone
276
Carpooled
23
Public
0
Work At Home
4