Median Income
$40,517
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$45,500
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
434/100K
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$703
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.3%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.7%
83% higher than US avg
How Morton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,510
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density1,000/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 40%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$40,517
Per Capita$22,798
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty22.7%
County GDP$291M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$45,500
Rent$703
Ownership61.6%
Zillow$47,589
Housing Units779
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent434/100K
Property3,468/100K
Health
Obesity43.3%
Uninsured35.4%
Smoking18.4%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain17.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,760 ft (1,146 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+69.6%
Graduate+1.8%
School Score4.50
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute23 min
Broadband75.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Morton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Morton receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Morton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Morton is $40,517, 46% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 22.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Morton is $45,500, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $703 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,468 per 100,000, 77% above the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Morton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches, including 6.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Morton has a population of 1,510 with a density of 1,000 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (39.7%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 7.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 39.9% of residents, while 60.1% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 77.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
39.9%
49% below US avg
Spanish
60.1%
349% above US avg
The median household income in Morton is $40,517, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,798 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,136, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 126 business establishments, including 4 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,517 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,798 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,136 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,968 |
| Gini Index | 0.471 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 126 |
| County GDP | $291M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Morton is $45,500, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $47,589. Monthly rent averages $703 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 779 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $45,500 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $47,589 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $703 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.4% |
| Housing Units | 779 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
In Morton, 43.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 37.1% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.5% report binge drinking. 42.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.7% report depression. 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 35.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,516. 1.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Morton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.3% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.1% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 42.2% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 43.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.2% |
| Uninsured | 35.4% |
| 312% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,516 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 37.1% |
| Premature Death | 14,047/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 1.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Morton has a violent crime rate of 434 per 100,000 residents, 14% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,468 per 100,000, 77% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Morton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Morton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 434.4/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,468.2/100K |
| 77% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Morton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 40°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 330 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 17.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 6.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 3,760 feet.
Temperature
40°F Jan (4°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.4°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 40°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,760 ft (1,146 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (3.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,000/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.7248°N, 102.7592°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cochran County County |
| Nearest Airport | Clovis Regional (CVN)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.6"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 12.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Apr 21, 2024.
| Jun 29, 2020 |
22 km NW of Monument, New Mexico |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Jun 29, 2020 |
23 km SSW of Lovington, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
21 km NW of Monument, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
23 km NW of Monument, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
23 km NW of Monument, New Mexico |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Jun 30, 2020 |
22 km NW of Monument, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
22 km SSW of Lovington, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
125 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
22 km NW of Monument, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
22 km NW of Monument, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Jun 29, 2020 |
21 km SSW of Lovington, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
124 km |
| Jun 29, 2020 |
21 km NW of Monument, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
126 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
20 km NW of Monument, New Mexico |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Apr 21, 2024 |
24 km S of Adrian, Texas |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
22 km SSW of Lovington, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
125 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
23 km SSW of Lovington, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
126 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
21 km SSW of Lovington, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
124 km |
| Jun 29, 2020 |
22 km SSW of Lovington, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
125 km |
| Apr 30, 2022 |
8 km E of Anton, Texas |
M2.6 |
64 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
22 km NW of Monument, New Mexico |
M2.5 |
127 km |
| Jun 28, 2020 |
21 km SSW of Lovington, New Mexico |
M2.5 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
592 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 41 fatalities, 769 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1970 |
EF5 |
82 km |
26 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
78 km |
5 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
4 |
| Apr 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1995 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1991 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1969 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1963 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1961 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1960 |
EF3 |
81 km |
3 |
| May 24, 1957 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1956 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2019 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2019 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MCDONALD (92,790 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
MCDONALD |
92,790 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
CATO |
53,730 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
TIRE |
44,942 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
206 |
40,247 |
40 km |
| 2000 |
VALENTINE COMPLEX |
35,678 |
73 km |
| 2000 |
GRANDE COMPLEX |
34,597 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR LAKES |
23,770 |
69 km |
| 2011 |
KIZER 5 |
20,859 |
64 km |
| 1988 |
FORT |
20,320 |
87 km |
| 2018 |
380 |
19,287 |
68 km |
| 1988 |
TATUM |
15,149 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
JACKIE |
14,622 |
87 km |
| 1989 |
WATTS |
11,602 |
89 km |
| 1989 |
CAPROCK |
11,492 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
TATUM WEST |
10,960 |
84 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,085 |
49 km |
| 2010 |
ETCHEVERY |
9,835 |
99 km |
| 2017 |
303 |
9,601 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
FOUR LAKES |
9,226 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
BIG |
9,184 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
40°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
42°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
49°F (10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Morton has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 39°F in December to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.1") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $632 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $580 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $576 |
| Toddler | $550 |
| Preschool | $546 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Morton
What is the population of Morton?
Morton has a population of 1,510 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,000 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Morton expensive to live in?
Morton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $40,517, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $45,500 (84% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $703 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Morton safe?
The violent crime rate in Morton is 434 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,468 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Morton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Morton?
Morton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 40°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.6 inches, with 6.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Morton?
Morton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,136. There are 126 business establishments in the area, including 4 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Morton?
The median home value in Morton is $45,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $47,589. For renters, the median monthly rent is $703. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.6%.
How are the schools in Morton?
Schools in Morton have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.4% of adults in Morton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.6% have completed high school. 1.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Morton?
The obesity rate in Morton is 43.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 42.2% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 35.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 1.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,516.
What is transportation like in Morton?
The average commute in Morton is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Morton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Morton is 39.7% White, 7.5% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 39.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 60.1% speak Spanish. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 77.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
