Morton is located in Tazewell County about 10 miles southeast of Peoria along Highway 121 near the Illinois River. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 14,742, an increase of 943 since 1990.

Morton is home to the Nestle/Libby's pumpkin packing plant and promotes the vegetable through its "Pumpkin Festival" held the 2nd weekend of September. Among the events is a crowd favorite--"Punkin Chuckin'". Competitors vie to see who can fling their pumpkin furthest via a variety of mechanical contraptions. Estimated attendance is 100,000.