These Are The 10 Smartest States In America

Choosing a location for work or residence often hinges on the intellectual caliber of the surrounding population. A highly educated environment can significantly enhance an employee’s experience and career trajectory.

Identifying states with a strong intellectual community benefits both employers and job seekers. That’s where Zippia steps in, helping you pinpoint the smartest states in America.

How do we measure the intelligence of a state?

To determine which states stand out in terms of education, we consulted demographic data from the Census Bureau. We focused on the percentage of adults aged 25 and older with at least a college degree and the percentage of young adults aged 18-24 who lack a high school diploma. By analyzing these metrics, we compiled a list of the brightest states in the nation.

Interestingly, most of the states with the highest levels of education are located in the Northeast.

Smartest States In America

The Northeast dominates the rankings, contributing nine states to this list, while Hawaii shines as a unique addition. Continue reading to explore why these states excel in education or skip to the end for a comprehensive chart of all states.

For more insights, check out:

How We Determined the Smartest States

While various metrics like IQ scores and standardized tests can gauge intelligence, we opted for a more inclusive approach. Such tests often reflect systemic biases; hence, we focused on educational attainment as a more equitable measure.

We analyzed two specific criteria to rank states:

Percentage of adults over 25 with a bachelor’s degree or higher (higher is better)
Percentage of 18-24-year-olds without a high school diploma (lower is better)

Our data is sourced from the most recent American Community Survey conducted by the Census Bureau (2020-2022), reflecting the current educational landscape and its potential for improvement.

To find the smartest states, we ranked all states based on these criteria from one to fifty, with one being the highest score in each category. The overall average rank determined the “Smartest State in America.”

If your state isn’t among the top ten, scroll to the bottom of the post for a detailed chart. Otherwise, dive deeper into how the top ten states achieved their impressive standings.

1. Vermont

Smartest States

Source: Flickr Community College Of Vermont

Population: 626,299
Bachelor’s or Higher: 37.3%
Less Than High School Education: 7.7%

Vermont emerges as the smartest state in the nation, proving that a smaller population can still yield impressive educational outcomes. The state boasts a high percentage of degree holders, with young adults showing a strong propensity to complete high school. It’s no surprise that a state known for its libraries and innovative spirit ranks so high.

2. Connecticut

Smartest States

Source: Flickr US Department of Education

Population: 3,572,665
Bachelor’s or Higher: 38.9%
High School Dropout Rate: 9.9%

Connecticut has risen to the #2 position, thanks to its robust education system and a well-educated older population.

3. Massachusetts

Smartest States

Source: Flickr Roger W

Population: 6,902,149
Bachelor’s or Higher: 42.9%
Less Than High School Education: 10.6%

Despite dropping from first to third, Massachusetts remains a leader in educational attainment, with a high percentage of residents holding bachelor’s degrees.

4. New Hampshire

Smartest States

Source: Flickr Ken

Population: 1,356,458
Bachelor’s or Higher: 36.5%
Less Than High School Education: 9.2%

New Hampshire is recognized not just for its picturesque landscapes but also for its impressive educational metrics, with a low percentage of young adults lacking high school diplomas.

5. Virginia

Smartest States

Source: Flickr Taber Andrew Bain

Population: 8,517,685
Bachelor’s or Higher: 38.2%
Less Than High School Education: 10.4%

Virginia is among the top states with its educated population, with many residents achieving both high school and college diplomas.

6. New Jersey

Smartest States

Source: Flickr Harshil Shah

Population: 8,908,520
Bachelor’s or Higher: 38.9%
Less Than High School Education: 10.6%

New Jersey maintains its sixth-place ranking, reflecting its continued commitment to education and workforce development.

7. Maryland

Smartest States

Source: Flickr Maryland GovPics

Population: 6,042,718
Bachelor’s or Higher: 39.6%
Less Than High School Education: 10.7%

Maryland stands out for its educational achievements, boasting a high percentage of residents with bachelor’s degrees, second only to Massachusetts.

8. Rhode Island

Source: Flickr

Population: 1,057,315
Bachelor’s or Higher: 33.3%
Less Than High School Education: 8.7%

Rhode Island ranks eighth, showcasing its highly educated residents and commitment to academic excellence.

9. Maine

Source:

Population: 1,338,404
Bachelor’s or Higher: 34.9%
Less Than High School Education: 10.4%

Maine holds the ninth spot, reflecting its strong educational outcomes and the commitment of its residents to attain higher education.

10. Hawaii

Source:

Population: 1,420,491
Bachelor’s or Higher: 32.5%
Less Than High School Education: 8.4%

Hawaii makes its debut in the top ten, with a significant percentage of adults holding college degrees, showcasing the intelligence of its residents.

Full List of Smartest States

Rank	State	Adults With College Diploma (%)	Less Than A High School Diploma (%)
1	Vermont	37	7
2	Connecticut	38	9
3	Massachusetts	42	10
4	New Hampshire	36	9
5	Virginia	38	10
6	New Jersey	38	10
7	Maryland	39	10
8	Rhode Island	33	8
9	Maine	34	10
10	Hawaii	32	8
11	New York	35	11
12	North Dakota	29	6
12	Kansas	32	10
14	Utah	33	11
15	Illinois	34	11
16	California	33	11
16	Minnesota	35	12
18	Nebraska	31	10
19	Wisconsin	29	10
20	Washington	35	13
21	Pennsylvania	30	11
22	Alaska	29	11
23	Iowa	28	11
24	Oregon	32	13
25	North Carolina	30	12
25	Delaware	31	13
27	Michigan	28	12
27	Missouri	28	12
29	Montana	31	13
30	Florida	31	15
31	Tennessee	26	12
31	Ohio	27	12
33	Georgia	30	15
34	Kentucky	23	11
34	Texas	29	14
36	Colorado	25	12
36	South Carolina	27	13
38	Arkansas	22	12
38	South Dakota	28	14
40	Arizona	28	15
41	Alabama	24	13
42	Idaho	26	15
43	West Virginia	20	13
44	Indiana	25	15
44	Wyoming	26	16
46	Mississippi	21	14
46	New Mexico	27	17
48	Oklahoma	25	15
49	Nevada	24	15
50	Louisiana	23	16

Stay informed with the latest research and engaging stories by subscribing to our weekly newsletter. Contact Kathy Morris at kmorris@wordpress-1250819-5972544.cloudwaysapps.com to sign up.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Create Resume