Morrilton is located in Conway County (of which it is the county seat) northwest of Little Rock, between Conway and Russellville in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains along Hwy 64, on the banks of the Arkansas River near Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge.

The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 6,540, a decrease of 11 since 1990.

The economy of Morrilton and is diversified, with industry, tourism, retail, and agriculture. Downtown provides an interesting exhibit of the old and the new, with a walking tour of the historic district's homes and commercial buildings. An 1895 railroad depot serves as a museum and a monument to the establishment of the town as it grew and prospered. Outdoor fun is abundant, with Ozark National Forest to the north and Ouachita National Forest to the south. Both forests border Conway County. The Arkansas River borders the south edge of town, separating Morrilton and the many delights of beautiful Petit Jean Mountain with its state park, lodge, restaurant, lake, campgrounds and an automobile museum.