Motley, MN
Population 593 · Minnesota
About Motley, MN
Motley is a small community located in Minnesota with a population of 593 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,281 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Motley features a median home value of $128,300, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Motley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $661, 43% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 346 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (190 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (125 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Motley shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Motley have an average one-way commute time of 17 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.1% of Motley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.9% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Motley, MN
Compared to national averages, Motley has a median household income of $43,281 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $128,300, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $661 is 43% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Motley's income is 42% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 37% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Motley, MN?
Motley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $128,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $661/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,281) that falls below the national average. However, Motley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Motley has a population of 593 with a median age of 50.4 years. Compare Motley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Motley
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunfish Lake | 594 | $250,001 | $1,109,000 | Compare |
| Heron Lake | 591 | $66,607 | $86,200 | Compare |
| Glenville | 596 | $53,750 | $119,400 | Compare |
| Rollingstone | 590 | $86,500 | $217,400 | Compare |
| Halstad | 589 | $67,857 | $114,800 | Compare |
| Marble | 588 | $54,688 | $102,700 | Compare |
| Wabasso | 598 | $63,900 | $105,100 | Compare |
| Graceville | 586 | $51,667 | $101,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Motley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Motley
What is the population of Motley, MN?
The population of Motley, MN is 593 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Motley?
The median household income in Motley, MN is $43,281 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Motley?
The median home value in Motley, MN is $128,300, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Motley?
The median monthly rent in Motley, MN is $661, which is 43% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Motley?
The unemployment rate in Motley, MN is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Motley, MN a good place to live?
Motley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 593 and a median age of 50.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Motley, MN?
8.1% of residents in Motley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Motley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Motley, MN: median home value is $128,300 (48% below national), median rent is $661/month, and median household income is $43,281. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Motley?
The poverty rate in Motley, MN is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Motley, MN?
Motley's population is 2.9% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.