Smartest States

Over the years, America has nurtured a rich tapestry of world-class scholars, scientists, and innovators. From young prodigies to Nobel laureates, the pursuit of knowledge remains at the bedrock of American society, beckoning young and old alike. Yet, higher cognition, as measured by IQ tests, tends to greatly vary from region to region across the country. This reflection invites us to delve into America's intellectual hubs by examining the average IQ metrics per state.

Key findings include:

• The northeastern states, particularly Massachusetts and New Hampshire, topped the list with the highest average IQ scores of 104.3 and 104.2 respectively.
• The data revealed a clear regional pattern with states in the Midwest and the North, such as North Dakota, Vermont, Minnesota, Montana, and Maine, also demonstrating high average IQ scores, all above 103.
• Contrastingly, the southern states, particularly Louisiana and Mississippi, recorded the lowest average IQ scores, both falling under 96.
• There is a noticeable drop in average IQ between the top ranking state, Massachusetts at 104.3, and the median state, Missouri at 101. The bottom-ranking state, Mississippi, has a score of 94.2, revealing a 10-point difference within the US states.
• Certain states like Alaska and Hawaii, which are geographically distinct, also exhibit lower than average IQ scores, potentially indicating that geographic isolation and unique cultural contexts may also impact these measurements.