Motherwell comprises 13 neighbourhood units. The area was developed to accommodate people who were relocated from the informal and illegal settlements build on the flood plains in Soweto-on-Sea, and to cater for the influx of the people into the urban areas. Families from the Red Location who were staying in small houses also relocated. Motherwell provides entry for people into the Port Elizabeth area. Poverty and unemployment has resulted in a very high crime rate. The number of children under the age of 18 who lives in Motherwell is 13,000. The majority of people in Motherwell fall in the 0 to 30 age category. Motherwell is also an area hard hit by the HIV/Aids pandemic.