Average IQ by State 2026
United States 98.0
0%
US Average The average IQ score across all US states.
Massachusetts 104.3
Highest
Mississippi 94.2
Lowest
Average IQ Score
94.0
96.0
98.0
100.0
102.0
104.0
104.3
104.2
103.8
103.8
103.7
103.4
States Ranked by Average IQ
State | Average IQ Score ↓ | |
|---|---|---|
 | Massachusetts | 104.3 |
 | New Hampshire | 104.2 |
 | North Dakota | 103.8 |
 | Vermont | 103.8 |
 | Minnesota | 103.7 |
 | Maine | 103.4 |
 | Montana | 103.4 |
 | Iowa | 103.2 |
 | Connecticut | 103.1 |
 | Wisconsin | 102.9 |
 | Kansas | 102.8 |
 | New Jersey | 102.8 |
 | South Dakota | 102.8 |
 | Wyoming | 102.4 |
 | Nebraska | 102.3 |
 | Virginia | 101.9 |
 | Washington | 101.9 |
 | Ohio | 101.8 |
 | Indiana | 101.7 |
 | Colorado | 101.6 |
 | Pennsylvania | 101.5 |
 | Idaho | 101.4 |
 | Oregon | 101.2 |
 | Utah | 101.1 |
 | Missouri | 101.0 |
 | New York | 100.7 |
 | Michigan | 100.5 |
 | Delaware | 100.4 |
 | North Carolina | 100.2 |
 | Texas | 100.0 |
 | Illinois | 99.9 |
 | Maryland | 99.7 |
 | Rhode Island | 99.5 |
 | Kentucky | 99.4 |
 | Oklahoma | 99.3 |
 | Alaska | 99.0 |
 | West Virginia | 98.7 |
 | Florida | 98.4 |
 | South Carolina | 98.4 |
 | Georgia | 98.0 |
 | Tennessee | 97.7 |
 | Arkansas | 97.5 |
 | Arizona | 97.4 |
 | Nevada | 96.5 |
 | Alabama | 95.7 |
 | New Mexico | 95.7 |
 | Hawaii | 95.6 |
 | California | 95.5 |
 | Louisiana | 95.3 |
 | Mississippi | 94.2 |
- PIAAC: IQ estimates are based on an analysis of exam scores from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competency (PIAAC) for adults, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for fourth and eighth grade children
- Higher IQ scores are preferable
Key Findings
Average IQ in the United States
-
The average IQ in the United States is approximately 98.0.
-
Average IQ varies by state, ranging from 94.2 in Mississippi to 104.3 in Massachusetts.
Highest IQ States
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Massachusetts has the highest average IQ at 104.3. The three states with the highest average IQ scores are Massachusetts (104.3), New Hampshire (104.2), and North Dakota (103.8).
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States with the highest average IQ scores tend to have higher rates of educational attainment, stronger public school systems, and higher median household incomes.
Lowest IQ States
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Mississippi has the lowest average IQ at 94.2. The three states with the lowest average IQ scores are California (95.5), Louisiana (95.3), and Mississippi (94.2).
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States with lower average IQ scores often correlate with lower rates of college graduation, higher poverty rates, and fewer educational resources.
What Is a Normal IQ?
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A normal IQ score falls between 85 and 115, with 100 defined as the median. Approximately 68% of the population scores within this range.
-
IQ scores are designed to follow a bell curve distribution, with scores above 130 considered gifted and scores below 70 indicating potential intellectual disabilities.
States Ranked by Average IQ
State Comparison
Average IQ scores across states fall within a relatively narrow range, with less than 10 points separating the highest and lowest states. Differences in educational access, socioeconomic conditions, and demographic factors all contribute to state-level variation.
Definitions & Methodology
What Is IQ? IQ (intelligence quotient) is a score derived from standardized tests designed to measure cognitive ability relative to the general population. The average score is set at 100, with most people scoring between 85 and 115.
How Is Average IQ by State Calculated? State-level IQ estimates are derived from a combination of standardized test scores (such as SAT and ACT results), educational attainment rates, and other cognitive assessment data. These estimates represent population averages, not individual scores.
Limitations of IQ as a Measure of Intelligence IQ tests measure specific types of cognitive ability such as logical reasoning and pattern recognition, but do not capture the full range of human intelligence, including creativity, emotional intelligence, and practical problem-solving skills. Socioeconomic factors, access to education, and test-taking conditions can also influence scores.
Last Updated: May 29, 2026
Related Pages
Sources
- Updated IQ and Well-Being Scores for the 50 U.S. States - National Library of Medicine 2022
- Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies - The Institute of Education Sciences
- Mapped: Average IQ Score by State - Visual Capitalist
- Average IQ by State in the US for 2025 - North American Community Hub Statistics
