by Noah Aitoumeziane
June 2019
Lots of things have changed in the last 10 years in Murray County. Murray County, in the state's southwestern corner, was established in 1857 and formally organized in 1872.1 From 2007 to 2017 Murray County's population experienced a slight population decrease, dropping from 8,657 to 8,344.2 Total employment within the county, however, saw an increase from 2,744 to 2,964 over the same period.
The largest industry by employment in Murray County in both 2007 and 2017 was Elementary and Secondary Schools, employing 205 workers in 2007 and 203 workers in 2017. The average weekly wages in 2007 for workers in Elementary and Secondary Schools was $593. A decade later, this figure had increased to $734. These wages are higher than the average across all industries within the county. The average weekly wages for all industries in Murray County were $487 in 2007 and $701 in 2017.
Today the cost of living for a single individual in Murray County is $27,852, while the same measure for a typical family is $45,780. This is a lower cost of living than the average statewide cost of living for both a single individual ($30,900) and for a typical family ($55,548).
One thing that has remained consistent is the Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show. Held every year since 2006, the draft horse show is an exhibition and competition of equine transportation from yesteryear that was held at the Murray County Fairgrounds in Slayton this year in mid-July. Don't miss it next year.
| Economy | 2007 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,657 | 8,344 |
| Total Employment | 2,744 | 2,964 |
| Largest Industry by Employment | 205
(Elementary and Secondary Schools) |
203
(Elementary and Secondary Schools) |
| Average weekly wages, all industries | $487 | $701 |
| Average weekly wages, elementary and secondary schools | $593 | $734 |
| Cost of Living (2018) | Individual | Typical Family |
|---|---|---|
| Murray County | $27,852 | $45,780 |
| State of Minnesota | $30,900 | $55,548 |
1MNopedia
2MN State Demographic Center Population Finder
