Median Income
$43,281
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$128,300
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.1%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$661
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
67% lower than US avg
How Motley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population593
Median Age50.4 yrs
Density427/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$43,281
Per Capita$27,256
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty4.1%
County GDP$1,141M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$128,300
Rent$661
Ownership60.3%
Zillow$246,611
Housing Units361
Rent Burden20.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property8,308/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary1,231/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking15.6%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain27.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,228 ft (374 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.1%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.15
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Motley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Motley receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Motley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Motley is $43,281, 42% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Motley is $128,300, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $661 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Motley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,308 per 100,000, 324% above the national average.
Education
8.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Motley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Motley has a population of 593 with a density of 427 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 50.4 years, 30% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.6%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.4yrs
Median Age
30% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Motley is $43,281, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,256 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,026, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 634 business establishments, including 52 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,281 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,256 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,026 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,548 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.1% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 634 |
| County GDP | $1,141M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 52 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 93 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,845 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Motley is $128,300, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,611, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $661 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 361 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $3,845. 20.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $128,300 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $246,611 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $661 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.7% |
| Housing Units | 361 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,845 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
In Motley, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.2% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 20.2% report binge drinking. 23.3% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,202. The dentist ratio is 1:2,128. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Motley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.3% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,202 |
| Dentists | 1:2,128 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,667 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,078/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Motley has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 8,308 per 100,000, 324% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 7,077, burglary at 1,231, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Motley receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Motley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,307.7/100K |
| 324% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,230.8/100K |
| Theft | 7,076.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 251 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Motley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 27.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,228 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-13°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.3°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,228 ft (374 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 427/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3348°N, 94.6428°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Todd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.1"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
147 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
280 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 206 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
59 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
21 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
23 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
23 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
21 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
84 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
99 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
25 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
55 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
65 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
33 km |
| 1998 |
WEST SKUNK |
1,129 |
54 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 |
1,073 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,062 |
72 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,025 |
58 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
76 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Motley has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 8°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Motley. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $534 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Motley
What is the population of Motley?
Motley has a population of 593 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 427 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Motley expensive to live in?
Motley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $43,281, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $128,300 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $661 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Motley safe?
Motley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,308 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Motley receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Motley?
Motley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Motley?
Motley has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,026. There are 634 business establishments in the area, including 52 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Motley?
The median home value in Motley is $128,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $246,611. For renters, the median monthly rent is $661. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,845.
How are the schools in Motley?
Schools in Motley score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.1% of adults in Motley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Motley?
The obesity rate in Motley is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 23.3% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 40.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,202.
What is transportation like in Motley?
The average commute in Motley is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Motley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Motley is 91.6% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
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