Average IQ By State

Average IQ
High School Completion Rate
College Enrollment Per Capita
Average IQ
1.MassachusettsMassachusetts104.3
2.New HampshireNew Hampshire104.2
3.North DakotaNorth Dakota103.8
3.VermontVermont103.8
5.MinnesotaMinnesota103.7
6.MontanaMontana103.4
6.MaineMaine103.4
8.IowaIowa103.2
9.ConnecticutConnecticut103.1
10.WisconsinWisconsin102.9
11.New JerseyNew Jersey102.8
11.South DakotaSouth Dakota102.8
11.KansasKansas102.8
14.WyomingWyoming102.4
15.NebraskaNebraska102.3
16.WashingtonWashington101.9
16.VirginiaVirginia101.9
18.OhioOhio101.8
19.IndianaIndiana101.7
20.ColoradoColorado101.6
21.PennsylvaniaPennsylvania101.5
22.IdahoIdaho101.4
23.OregonOregon101.2
24.UtahUtah101.1
25.MissouriMissouri101
26.New YorkNew York100.7
27.MichiganMichigan100.5
28.DelawareDelaware100.4
29.North CarolinaNorth Carolina100.2
30.TexasTexas100
31.IllinoisIllinois99.9
32.MarylandMaryland99.7
33.Rhode IslandRhode Island99.5
34.KentuckyKentucky99.4
35.OklahomaOklahoma99.3
36.AlaskaAlaska99
37.West VirginiaWest Virginia98.7
38.FloridaFlorida98.4
38.South CarolinaSouth Carolina98.4
40.GeorgiaGeorgia98
41.TennesseeTennessee97.7
42.ArkansasArkansas97.5
43.ArizonaArizona97.4
44.NevadaNevada96.5
45.AlabamaAlabama95.7
45.New MexicoNew Mexico95.7
47.HawaiiHawaii95.6
48.CaliforniaCalifornia95.5
49.LouisianaLouisiana95.3
50.MississippiMississippi94.2

Introduction

The Human Intelligence Quotient, or IQ, has long been a measure of cognitive capabilities, with its scores offering insights into both individuals and larger populations. On a national level, the average IQ of the United States is reported to be 98. However, this single value fails to capture the vast disparities between different states. By analyzing public data from IQ tests, SAT and ACT scores, and educational attainment levels, this article takes a more granular look at the "Average IQ by State" in the U.S., revealing not just average values but the patterns and regional nuances that shape this distribution. Key findings from the data include:

  • The state with the highest average IQ is Massachusetts, ranking first with an average IQ of 104.3. This state is renowned for its educational institutions, possibly contributing to the elevated IQ levels.
  • The second and third highest ranking states are New Hampshire and North Dakota, with average IQ scores of 104.2 and 103.8, respectively.
  • On the other side of the spectrum rests Mississippi at the rank of 50, with a lower average IQ of 94.2. This ranking may reflect socio-economic factors that affect residents' access to quality education, a significant aspect contributing to IQ levels.
  • Racial, educational, and economic disparities likely factor into state variations, highlighting the complex matrix of conditions that influence intellectual development and testing outcomes.

States with Highest IQ

Scaling the peak of the list is Massachusetts, reaching the first rank with an average IQ score of 104.3. Renowned for its high-ranking educational institutions, including Harvard University and MIT, it's plausible that the state's rich academic environment significantly contributes to its elevated IQ levels. Holding the second position, New Hampshire flaunts an average IQ of 104.2. Tied for third place are North Dakota and Vermont with an equal average IQ of 103.8. Minnesota, known for its thriving economy and well-regarded schools, ranks at the fifth position with an average IQ of 103.7. Followed by Montana and Maine, which both have recorded an average IQ of 103.4 - securing the 6th rank. Iowa, often associated with its quality education system, appears next in the list with an average IQ of 103.2. Coming in 9th place, we have Connecticut with an average IQ of 103.1, while Wisconsin wraps up the top 10 with an average IQ of 102.9. States with the highest IQ:

  1. Massachusetts - 104.3
  2. New Hampshire - 104.2
  3. North Dakota - 103.8,
  4. Vermont - 103.8
  5. Minnesota - 103.7
  6. Montana - 103.4
  7. Maine - 103.4
  8. Iowa - 103.2
  9. Connecticut - 103.1
  10. Wisconsin - 102.9

States with Lowest IQ

The state holding the rank for the lowest average IQ is Mississippi, with an IQ of 94.2. The socioeconomic factors and access to quality education may be significant contributing factors to the lower IQ. Just above Mississippi, you have Louisiana, with an average IQ of 95.3. California surprisingly comes up next with an average IQ of 95.5. Hawaii follows closely with an average IQ of 95.6. Then, we have a tie between New Mexico and Alabama, each holding an average IQ of 95.7. This ties them for the 45th spot in terms of average state IQ. Nevada comes next with an average IQ of 96.5, followed by Arizona at 97.4, and Arkansas at 97.5. Tennessee rounds off our list, with an average IQ of 97.7. 10 States with the Lowest IQ:

  1. Mississippi - 94.2
  2. Louisiana - 95.3
  3. California - 95.5
  4. Hawaii - 95.6
  5. New Mexico - 95.7
  6. Alabama - 95.7
  7. Nevada - 96.5
  8. Arizona - 97.4
  9. Arkansas - 97.5
  10. Tennessee - 97.7

By Region

Alabama

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Alabama

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

95.7

#45

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,797

#21

Alaska

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Alaska

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

99

#36

College Enrollment Per Capita

3,017

#51

Arizona

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Arizona

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

97.4

#43

College Enrollment Per Capita

8,247

#4

Arkansas

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Arkansas

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

97.5

#42

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,934

#39

California

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California

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

95.5

#48

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,575

#12

Colorado

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Colorado

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

101.6

#20

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,233

#16

Connecticut

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Connecticut

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

103.1

#9

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,179

#35

Delaware

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Delaware

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

100.4

#28

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,848

#20

Florida

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Florida

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

98.4

#38

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,717

#43

Georgia

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Georgia

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

98

#40

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,069

#38

Hawaii

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Hawaii

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

95.6

#47

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,141

#48

Idaho

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Idaho

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

101.4

#22

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,470

#14

Illinois

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Illinois

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

99.9

#31

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,382

#30

Indiana

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Indiana

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

101.7

#19

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,038

#18

Iowa

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Iowa

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

103.2

#8

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,521

#13

Kansas

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Kansas

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

102.8

#11

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,581

#11

Kentucky

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Kentucky

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

99.4

#34

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,797

#22

Louisiana

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Louisiana

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

95.3

#49

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,266

#33

Maine

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Maine

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

103.4

#6

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,089

#37

Maryland

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Maryland

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

99.7

#32

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,646

#24

Massachusetts

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Massachusetts

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

104.3

#1

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,782

#9

Michigan

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Michigan

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

100.5

#27

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,876

#40

Minnesota

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Minnesota

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

103.7

#5

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,933

#7

Mississippi

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Mississippi

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

94.2

#50

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,527

#27

Missouri

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Missouri

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

101

#25

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,555

#26

Montana

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Montana

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

103.4

#6

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,117

#49

Nebraska

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Nebraska

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

102.3

#15

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,876

#8

Nevada

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Nevada

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

96.5

#44

College Enrollment Per Capita

3,711

#50

New Hampshire

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New Hampshire

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

104.2

#2

College Enrollment Per Capita

13,574

#2

New Jersey

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New Jersey

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

102.8

#11

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,234

#47

New Mexico

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New Mexico

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

95.7

#45

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,203

#34

New York

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New York

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

100.7

#26

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,961

#19

North Carolina

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North Carolina

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

100.2

#29

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,285

#32

North Dakota

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North Dakota

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

103.8

#3

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,621

#10

Ohio

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Ohio

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

101.8

#18

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,556

#25

Oklahoma

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Oklahoma

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

99.3

#35

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,746

#42

Oregon

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Oregon

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

101.2

#23

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,799

#41

Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

101.5

#21

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,149

#36

Rhode Island

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Rhode Island

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

99.5

#33

College Enrollment Per Capita

7,036

#6

South Carolina

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South Carolina

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

98.4

#38

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,527

#45

South Dakota

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South Dakota

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

102.8

#11

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,679

#23

Tennessee

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Tennessee

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

97.7

#41

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,534

#44

Texas

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Texas

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

100

#30

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,423

#28

Utah

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Utah

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

101.1

#24

College Enrollment Per Capita

11,851

#3

Vermont

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Vermont

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

103.8

#3

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,141

#17

Virginia

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Virginia

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

101.9

#16

College Enrollment Per Capita

6,431

#15

Washington

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Washington

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

101.9

#16

College Enrollment Per Capita

4,317

#46

West Virginia

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West Virginia

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

98.7

#37

College Enrollment Per Capita

7,725

#5

Wisconsin

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Wisconsin

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

102.9

#10

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,408

#29

Wyoming

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Wyoming

Metric

Value

Rank

Average IQ

102.4

#14

College Enrollment Per Capita

5,346

#31

Table

Region ↕Average IQ ↕High School Completion Rate ↕College Enrollment Per Capita ↕
Alabama iconAlabama95.786.9%5,797
Alaska iconAlaska9993.1%3,017
Arizona iconArizona97.487.9%8,247
Arkansas iconArkansas97.587.2%4,934
California iconCalifornia95.583.9%6,575
Colorado iconColorado101.692.1%6,233
Connecticut iconConnecticut103.190.9%5,179
Delaware iconDelaware100.490.6%5,848
Florida iconFlorida98.488.5%4,717
Georgia iconGeorgia9887.9%5,069
Hawaii iconHawaii95.692.5%4,141
Idaho iconIdaho101.491.3%6,470
Illinois iconIllinois99.989.7%5,382
Indiana iconIndiana101.789.3%6,038
Iowa iconIowa103.292.5%6,521
Kansas iconKansas102.891.4%6,581
Kentucky iconKentucky99.487.2%5,797
Louisiana iconLouisiana95.385.9%5,266
Maine iconMaine103.493.2%5,089
Maryland iconMaryland99.790.6%5,646
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts104.391.1%6,782
Michigan iconMichigan100.591.3%4,876
Minnesota iconMinnesota103.793.4%6,933
Mississippi iconMississippi94.285.3%5,527
Missouri iconMissouri10190.6%5,555
Montana iconMontana103.494.0%4,117
Nebraska iconNebraska102.391.6%6,876
Nevada iconNevada96.586.9%3,711
New Hampshire iconNew Hampshire104.293.3%13,574
New Jersey iconNew Jersey102.890.3%4,234
New Mexico iconNew Mexico95.786.5%5,203
New York iconNew York100.787.2%5,961
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina100.288.5%5,285
North Dakota iconNorth Dakota103.893.1%6,621
Ohio iconOhio101.890.8%5,556
Oklahoma iconOklahoma99.388.6%4,746
Oregon iconOregon101.291.1%4,799
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania101.591.0%5,149
Rhode Island iconRhode Island99.589.2%7,036
South Carolina iconSouth Carolina98.488.3%4,527
South Dakota iconSouth Dakota102.892.2%5,679
Tennessee iconTennessee97.788.2%4,534
Texas iconTexas10084.4%5,423
Utah iconUtah101.193.0%11,851
Vermont iconVermont103.893.5%6,141
Virginia iconVirginia101.990.3%6,431
Washington iconWashington101.991.7%4,317
West Virginia iconWest Virginia98.787.6%7,725
Wisconsin iconWisconsin102.992.6%5,408
Wyoming iconWyoming102.493.6%5,346
Keep reading

Additional Education Datasets

Common Core States

Common Core States

Countries by Average IQ

Countries by Average IQ

Dumbest Countries

Dumbest Countries

Dumbest States

Dumbest States

Education Rankings by Country

Education Rankings by Country

Educational Attainment By State

Educational Attainment By State