Vernon was incorporated to promote industrial development along the railroads in the area. Consisting almost entirely of warehouses and factories, the city's main industries are food service manufacturing, metalworking, and manufacture of glass and plastic equipment. Hence, it is fitting that the slogan on its official city seal is "Exclusively Industrial."
Most housing is owned by the City of Vernon; its residents are employed within the city limits. There are approximately 46,000 direct and 54,000 indirect mostly skilled workers employed by business within the City of Vernon.
Among the multitude of businesses is Bon Appetit Bakery and Farmer John Meat Packing, whose products are highly visible in many convenience stores and service stations.
In 2006, a controversy arose concerning a few people who moved into Vernon and ran for city council. This marked the first time in more than two decades that there was a competitive race for city council. On October 19, 2006, results were announced and all three incumbents retained their seats on the city council.
Vernon was home to the Vernon Tigers, a minor league baseball team in the Pacific Coast League, from 1909 through 1925.
As of the census of 2000, there were 91 people, 25 households, and 23 families residing in the city. The population density was 18.2/mi² (7.0/km²). There were 26 housing units at an average density of 5.2/mi² (2.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 47.25% White, 1.10% Asian, 47.25% from other races, and 4.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 89.01% of the population.
There were 25 households out of which 56.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 92.0% were married couples living together, and 8.0% were non-families. 8.0% of all households were made up of individuals and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.64 and the average family size was 3.78.
In the city the population was spread out with 37.4% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 34.1% from 25 to 44, 15.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 89.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $60,000, and the median income for a family was $63,750. Males had a median income of $46,250 versus $33,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,812. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.