Founded in 1881, Moran is located in Allen County. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 538, a decrease of 13 since 1990, The year 2000 census polled a population of 562.
Moran is located at the junction of U.S. Highway 54 and U.S. Highway 59 and approximately 100 miles south of Kansas City. Iola is 13 miles to the west and Fort Scott is 28 miles to the east.
Moran is the hometown of 1968 Miss America, Debra Dean Barnes, and of a Rhodes Scholar, Kelly Welch. Moran has a strong sense of community. The citizens are supportive of community projects and rally around neighbors in need. A community celebration-Moran Days-is held each fall. The September 20, 2003, celebration will be the fifty-seventh annual.