The States With The Highest (And Lowest) Average IQ

The average IQ in America is 98, according to IQ tests.

IQ tests can be a controversial measure of intelligence.

Critics point out they often strictly define intelligence, favor test taking skills, and under value creativity and other assets. After all, if you ask a super smart dolphin to answer a multiple choice test it will probably just swim around happily in the ocean.

However, despite controversy IQ remains a popular measure of intelligence. And boy, do Americans care about intelligence. From GPA to standardized tests and degrees, how you use your brains will impact how you make your money.

We found the average IQ in each state to find which states have the most brain power– or are at least really good test takers. Keep reading to see how your state stacks up!

States With The Highest IQ

Massachusetts – 104.3
New Hampshire – 104.2
Vermont – 103.8
North Dakota – 103.8
Minnesota – 103.7
Montana – 103.4
Maine – 103.4
Iowa – 103.2
Connecticut – 103.1

Northeastern and midwestern states dominate the top 10, with impressive IQs ranging from 104.3-to 103.1. At 104.3, Massachusetts has an average IQ over 10 points higher than the bottom state.

Lowest IQ States

Mississippi – 94.2
Louisiana – 95.3
California – 95.5
Hawaii – 95.6
New Mexico – 95.7
Alabama – 95.7
Nevada – 96.5
Arizona – 97.4
Arkansas – 97.5
Tennessee – 97.7

Mississippi has the lowest average of IQ at 94.2. Mississippi is closely followed by many of its southern neighbors, along with some Southwestern states and tropical Hawaii.
Did your state not make the top (or the bottom…) 10? Keep scrolling to see where it landed.

How We Figured This Out

Our data on average IQ comes from the Washington Post.

The researchers primarily looked at factors related to education. In particular, they took into account standardized test scores (including SAT and ACT) and high school and college graduation rates. As all of these factors can be correlated to intelligence, they provided a good rough estimate for large populations.

Average IQ By State – All 50 states ranked by IQ

Rank	State	Average IQ
1	Massachusetts	104.3
2	New Hampshire	104.2
3	Vermont	103.8
3	North Dakota	103.8
5	Minnesota	103.7
6	Montana	103.4
6	Maine	103.4
8	Iowa	103.2
9	Connecticut	103.1
10	Wisconsin	102.9
11	South Dakota	102.8
11	New Jersey	102.8
11	Kansas	102.8
14	Wyoming	102.4
15	Nebraska	102.3
16	Washington	101.9
16	Virginia	101.9
18	Ohio	101.8
19	Indiana	101.7
20	Colorado	101.6
21	Pennsylvania	101.5
22	Idaho	101.4
23	Oregon	101.2
24	Utah	101.1
25	Missouri	101
26	New York	100.7
27	Michigan	100.5
28	Delaware	100.4
29	North Carolina	100.2
30	Texas	100
31	Illinois	99.9
32	Maryland	99.7
33	Rhode Island	99.5
34	Kentucky	99.4
35	Oklahoma	99.3
36	Alaska	99
37	West Virginia	98.7
38	South Carolina	98.4
38	Florida	98.4
40	Georgia	98
41	Tennessee	97.7
42	Arkansas	97.5
43	Arizona	97.4
44	Nevada	96.5
45	New Mexico	95.7
45	Alabama	95.7
47	Hawaii	95.6
48	California	95.5
49	Louisiana	95.3
50	Mississippi	94.2

Look, IQ Tests Aren’t Perfect

If seeing your state’s score made you frown (or reminded you of an unpleasant personal score), don’t worry. As we talked about prior, IQ scores are not perfect or a complete measure of your skills and abilities.

These are also large population numbers. While 10 iq points may make an individual difference, for a group the difference may not be as profound. All the scores fall between 90-110. Since the Woodcock–Johnson Test of Cognitive Abilities deems anything in that range “average.”

So Mississippi shouldn’t be wallowing in defeat and maybe Massachusetts shouldn’t be bragging.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.

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