List of Average IQ in Every State of the USA

The concept of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) has long been a topic of fascination and debate. While a single number can't fully capture human intelligence, IQ scores are often used as a benchmark for cognitive abilities. Let's delve into the average IQ in the USA and explore some interesting facts surrounding it.

What's the Average IQ in the USA?

According to recent data (around 2022), the average IQ in the United States falls around 98. It's important to remember that IQ tests are designed to have an average score of 100, so a slight deviation is expected.

According to the Bright Futures, “Males in the U.S. have a slightly higher average IQ than females, with males averaging 99 and females averaging 97.”

The good news is that average IQ scores in the USA have been rising over time. This trend is attributed to factors like improved education, better healthcare, and better nutrition. This highlights the importance of investing in education and creating equal opportunities for all.

What is the Average IQ in Different States of the USA? 

Here is the list of the average IQ ranking of each US state, combining scores from two respected sources. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) contributes reading and math scores, while the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) adds literacy and numeracy assessments.

This comprehensive approach provides a deeper understanding of intellectual strengths across the United States. Further, the table below is compiled from the data offered by Data Pandas where they thoroughly researched public data available from standardised test scores (IQ, SAT, ACT) and educational achievements.

Source: Bright Futures and Data Pandas

Top 10 Highest IQ States in the USA 

• Massachusetts has the highest average IQ (104.3) among the states. The state's high position is probably because of its intellectual environment, as it is home to esteemed universities like MIT and Harvard.
• New Hampshire comes in just behind at 104.2.
• Vermont and North Dakota are tied for third place with an IQ of 103.8.
• At 103.7, Minnesota, which is well-known for its respectable schools and robust economy, takes fifth position.
• Maine and Montana share a similar IQ average of 103.4.
• Iowa comes in at eighth position with an average IQ of 103.2, which is consistent with its high standard of education.
• Following Iowa is Connecticut at the 9th with an average IQ of 103.1.
• The top 10 is completed by Wisconsin with an average IQ of 102.9.  

READ| Top 10 Highest IQ Ever Recorded