A post office called Doran was established in 1892, and remained in operation until 1989. The city was named for Michael Doran, a state legislator. Paul D. Aasness, farmer, businessman and politician, grew up on the family farm near Doran.
At the 2010 census, there were 55 people, 21 households and 14 families living in the city. The population density was. There were 27 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup was 100.0% White. There were 21 households of which 42.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couplesliving together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 9.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.3% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.21. The median agewas 34.5 years. 29.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.6% were from 25 to 44; 36.4% were from 45 to 64; and 5.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
At the 2000 census, there were 59 people, 24 households and 15 families living in the city. The population density was 284.1 per square mile. There were 31 housing units at an average density of 149.3 per square mile. The racial makeup was 91.53% White, 1.69% African American, 1.69% Native American, and 5.08% from two or more races. There were 24 households of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.07. 18.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 11.9% from 18 to 24, 33.9% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.7 males. The median household income was $26,250 and the median family income was $56,250. Males had a median income of $30,833 and females $23,750. The per capita income was $15,959. There were 12.5% of families and 15.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.
