Is Morton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Morton

Morton, Illinois, offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to larger urban centers. This community provides a balanced lifestyle, making it an appealing option for those seeking a place to settle down. Its location in Tazewell County positions it within reach of Peoria, offering residents the amenities of a larger city without the daily hustle.

The area is known for its strong community spirit and family-friendly atmosphere. With a median age of 41.4 years, Morton attracts a diverse range of residents, from young families to established individuals. The town’s commitment to maintaining a high quality of life is evident in its well-kept neighborhoods and community events.

Is it Safe to Live in Morton?

Morton, IL, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The city’s overall crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, contributing to a sense of security for those living there. This favorable safety profile is a key factor for individuals and families considering a move to the area.

Violent crimes in Morton are notably infrequent, standing well below national benchmarks. Property crime rates also reflect this trend, further underscoring the town’s commitment to maintaining a secure community. These statistics suggest that Morton is a place where residents can feel at ease in their daily lives.

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Morton, IL, is substantially lower than the national average. Reports indicate a rate of 85 per 100,000 people, which is 76.3% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This statistic highlights Morton’s success in minimizing violent incidents within the community.

Morton has one of the lowest violent crime rates among cities in the United States. The city even reported a murder rate of 0, demonstrating a strong commitment to resident safety (as reported by AreaVibes). This makes Morton an attractive choice for those prioritizing a secure living environment.

Property Crime Overview

Property crime in Morton, IL, also remains well below national averages. The city experiences a property crime rate of 824 per 100,000 residents, which is 53.2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This indicates a community where theft and related offenses are relatively uncommon.

The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting data for 2023 shows a total of 158 property crimes in Morton, with a rate of 905.34 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI UCR data). While this rate is lower than the national average, it is important to note that year-over-year crime trends should be monitored (as reported by FBI UCR data).

Cost of Living in Morton

The cost of living in Morton, IL, is closely aligned with the national average, making it a relatively affordable place to reside. While some expenses may be slightly higher than the national average, overall affordability remains a strong point for the community.

Morton’s cost of living index is 102, meaning it is 2% higher than the national average. This figure suggests that residents can expect expenses to be generally in line with what they might find in other similar-sized cities across the country (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs

Housing expenses in Morton are slightly above the national average, influencing the overall cost of living. The median sale price of a home in Morton was $225,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This figure indicates a stable housing market with moderate price points.

Rentals in Morton also reflect a similar trend, with the average rent for all property types being $1,300 per month (as reported by Zillow). This average includes a range of options, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $975 and two-bedroom apartments averaging $1,300 per month (as reported by Zillow).

Everyday Expenses

Groceries in Morton are priced at the national average, offering a level of predictability for household budgeting. Utility costs, however, are slightly higher, with an index 3.2% above the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests that residents might see slightly higher bills for electricity, water, and heating.

Transportation costs are also noted to be 4% higher than the national average, which could include expenses like gas prices and public transport fares (as reported by PayScale). These factors, combined with housing, contribute to the overall cost of living in Morton.

Job Market and Economy

Morton, IL, benefits from a stable job market with a variety of employment opportunities. The town’s economic landscape is shaped by a mix of local businesses and proximity to larger industrial and corporate centers.

The median household income in Morton was $94,402 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). This income level supports a comfortable standard of living for residents, reflecting the town’s economic stability.

Major Employers

Key employers in Morton include Morton Buildings Inc., known for its pre-engineered structures, and a significant Libby’s pumpkin cannery, which is a major contributor to the local economy and the global pumpkin supply (as reported by Wikipedia). These anchor businesses provide substantial employment within the community.

Additionally, the presence of a Caterpillar Inc. distribution facility nearby offers further employment prospects, drawing from the wider Tazewell County area. These major employers contribute significantly to the town’s economic vitality and job diversity.

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in Morton, IL, generally remains competitive. While specific local data fluctuates, the broader Illinois unemployment rate provides context. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the national unemployment rate, which serves as a benchmark for local trends (as reported by FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis).

The average salary in Morton can vary by industry, but broader data points offer insight. For instance, employees at Morton Manufacturing in the U.S. have an estimated average annual salary of $107,336 (as reported by Salary.com). This figure suggests a generally strong earning potential for those employed in specialized sectors.

Climate in Morton

Morton, Illinois, experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, typical of the Midwest. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold with snowfall, offering a full range of seasonal weather.

The temperature in Morton typically ranges from a low of 19°F in January to a high of 85°F in July (as reported by Weather Spark). The area experiences a considerable amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average of 39.29 inches annually (as reported by NOAA Climate Normals 1991).

Summer and Winter Conditions

Summers in Morton are long, warm, humid, and wet, generally lasting from late May through September (as reported by Weather Spark). July is the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 85°F and lows of 66°F.

Conversely, winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, typically from late November through early March (as reported by Weather Spark). January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 19°F and highs of 33°F.

Precipitation Patterns

Morton receives a substantial amount of rainfall throughout the year. The wettest months are typically June and July, with average precipitation around 0.50 to 0.60 inches (as reported by NOAA Climate Normals 1991).

Snowfall is a common feature of Morton’s winters. While specific snow accumulation data varies, the cold season brings regular winter weather to the region. The combination of rain and snow contributes to the area’s overall precipitation levels.

Education in Morton

Morton, IL, is served by the Morton Community Unit School District No. 709, which is recognized for its quality educational offerings. The district provides comprehensive programs for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

The district has a strong reputation, with an overall Niche grade of A- (as reported by Niche). This reflects a commitment to academic excellence and student development within the community.

School District Performance

Morton Community Unit School District No. 709 is highly rated, particularly for its athletes and overall academic environment (as reported by Niche). The district consistently ranks well within Illinois, indicating a high standard of education provided to its students.

According to state test scores, 48% of students are proficient in math and 65% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). These figures suggest that the district is effectively preparing its students for future academic and professional success.

Morton High School

Morton High School, a part of the district, also receives positive ratings. It holds an overall grade of A- with a rating of 3.87 out of 5 stars, based on 182 reviews (as reported by Niche). The school is recognized for its strong performance within the state and the Peoria area.

The high school is noted for being among the best public high schools in Illinois and the Peoria area (as reported by Niche). This reputation contributes to the overall appeal of Morton as a place to raise a family, ensuring access to quality secondary education.

Demographics of Morton

Morton, IL, is a community with a predominantly White population, reflecting a common demographic trend in many Midwestern towns. The town’s population has remained relatively stable, with projections indicating minimal growth in the near future.

The population of Morton was recorded at 16,595 in 2024, making it the 153rd most populated city in Illinois out of 1,445 cities (as reported by CUBIT). The median age of residents is 41.4 years, indicating a mature population base.

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The largest racial/ethnic group in Morton is White, comprising 91.9% of the population (as reported by CUBIT). Other significant groups include those identifying as Two or More Races (2.7%) and Asian (2.3%).

This demographic makeup is consistent with many communities in the region, highlighting a strong presence of White residents. The overall diversity of the town, while leaning towards a specific majority, includes representation from various backgrounds.

Age and Household Structure

With a median age of 41.4 years, Morton’s population skews slightly older than the national average. This suggests a community with a significant number of established households and a stable resident base (as reported by CUBIT).

The median household income in 2024 was $94,402, with 4.2% of families living in poverty (as reported by CUBIT). These figures provide insight into the economic well-being and structure of households within Morton.