[3] This area was long the territory of Algonquian-language tribes, specifically the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi.

The first settler in the community of Dorr came in 1856, and arranged for the town to be platted in 1869.

Dorr is an unincorporated community at 42°43′31″N 85°43′21″W / 42.72528°N 85.72250°W / 42.72528; -85.72250, near the center of the township, west of U.S. Highway 131 exit 68.

The community lies mostly within Dorr Township but is on the eastern boundary.

Development was stimulated when the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railway came through in 1870 and established a station here.

[5] North Dorr is a tiny hamlet at 42°46′06″N 85°45′42″W / 42.76833°N 85.76167°W / 42.76833; -85.76167 straddling the boundary between Dorr Township in Allegan County and Byron Township in Kent County.

12.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.