Median Income
$87,760
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$238,900
15% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
185/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.9%
27% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,001
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.9%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How Morton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population16,503
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density1,281/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,760
Per Capita$46,532
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$7,835M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$238,900
Rent$1,001
Ownership78.2%
Zillow$273,197
Housing Units7,609
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent185/100K
Property475/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault160/100K
Burglary74/100K
Health
Obesity33.9%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking11.3%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation713 ft (217 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.9%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+12.8%
School Score5.86
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute17 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries12
Is Morton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Morton receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Morton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Morton is $87,760, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 4.6% 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 Morton is $238,900, 15% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,001 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Morton is below the national average at 185 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 475 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Morton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches, including 22.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Morton has a population of 16,503 with a density of 1,281 people per square mile, spread across 13.0 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Morton is $87,760, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,532 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,079, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,560 business establishments, including 304 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,760 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,532 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,079 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,430 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,560 |
| County GDP | $7,835M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 304 |
| Healthcare | 285 |
| Retail | 380 |
| Manufacturing | 118 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,627 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |
The median home value in Morton is $238,900, 15% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,197, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.7% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,001 (14% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 7,609 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $6,627 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $238,900 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $273,197 |
| Median List Price | $264,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $264,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $138 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.7% |
| Price Drops | 71.4% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,001 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.8% |
| Housing Units | 7,609 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,627 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Morton, 33.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 11.3% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 18.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,329. The dentist ratio is 1:1,709. 83.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
7.3
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
7.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
7.9
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
2.0
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
164.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Morton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.3% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.0% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,329 |
| Dentists | 1:1,709 |
| Mental Health | 1:430 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,936/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 285 |
Morton has a violent crime rate of 185 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 160.4 per 100,000, robbery at 12.3, rape at 12.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 475 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 389, burglary at 74, vehicle theft at 12 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Morton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Morton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 185.1/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 12.3/100K |
| Robbery | 12.3/100K |
| Assault | 160.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 475.0/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Burglary | 74.0/100K |
| Theft | 388.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 12.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 343 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Morton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 37.5 inches. The area receives 22.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 713 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.1°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 713 ft (217 m) |
| Area | 13.0 sq mi (33.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,281/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6137°N, 89.4668°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Tazewell County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
105 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
123 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
97 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
731 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 760 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
9 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
73 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Morton has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 25°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Morton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,214 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $770 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Morton
What is the population of Morton?
Morton has a population of 16,503 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,281 people per square mile, spread across 13.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Morton expensive to live in?
Morton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $87,760, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $238,900 (15% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,001 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Morton safe?
Morton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 185 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 475 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Morton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Morton?
Morton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches, with 22.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Morton?
The job market in Morton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,079. There are 2,560 business establishments in the area, including 304 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 10.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Morton?
The median home value in Morton is $238,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,197. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,001. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,627.
How are the schools in Morton?
Schools in Morton score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 42.9% of adults in Morton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 12.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Morton?
The obesity rate in Morton is 33.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.3% of adults are smokers. 18.0% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,329.
What is transportation like in Morton?
The average commute in Morton is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Morton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Morton is 92% White. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.