The town located along Utah State Route 36 in southern Rush Valley[5] and is part of the Salt Lake City Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Vernon is the birthplace of World War II Medal of Honor recipient Mervyn Sharp Bennion.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 7.5 square miles (19 km2), all land.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

[9][10] In 1934, a very large incorporated town called Onaqui was created in the area, including Vernon as well as the settlements of Clover and St. John.

Vernon residents were granted a petition to incorporate separately on February 22, 1972, and the remaining part of Onaqui was renamed Rush Valley.