Average IQ in Arkansas: 2026 Data, Rankings & Analysis
Quick answer — Arkansas
Estimated average IQ in Arkansas: ~97 (national rank #43 of 50). Population ~3M; capital Little Rock. Arkansas's South economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
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Arkansas's estimated average IQ of 97 places it at rank #43 among US states in the South region. Figures reflect education investment and poverty — not individual potential.
Arkansas data snapshot
Population (approx.)
3 million
Child poverty proxy
~18.4%
K-12 spend rank (proxy)
#43 of 50
Arkansas Avg IQ
~97
US Average
~98
National Rank
#43
vs US Avg
-1.0 pts
Arkansas vs neighboring and peer states
| State | Avg IQ | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 98.5 | #42 | West |
| West Virginia | 97 | #44 | South |
| Virginia | 101.4 | #20 | South |
| Maryland | 101.2 | #22 | South |
Important context
State IQ averages reflect policy and economics — not genetics. Arkansas's South economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
Arkansas in the national rankings
| State | Avg IQ | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| Arkansas | 97 | #43 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #49 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Factors behind Arkansas's score
Education investment
Arkansas K-12 spending ranks near #43 nationally in our proxy model — strongly correlated with average IQ estimates.
Poverty & inequality
Child poverty proxy ~18.4% in Arkansas affects nutrition, stress, and school readiness in early childhood.
South labor market
The South economy shapes migration of college graduates in and out of Little Rock metro areas versus rural counties.
Urban vs rural mix
Arkansas's mix of metros and rural districts creates wider within-state IQ variance than a single statewide number suggests.
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Frequently asked questions — Arkansas
What is the average IQ in Arkansas?
The estimated average IQ in Arkansas is approximately 97, placing it at rank #43 among US states. This is below the US average of ~98 and reflects systemic factors including education funding, poverty rates, and access to resources — not inherent differences in cognitive potential.
Why does Arkansas rank lower in average IQ?
Arkansas's ranking reflects environmental factors: education spending per pupil (approximate rank #43), poverty (~18.4% child poverty proxy), and urban/rural opportunity. Arkansas's South economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
Is the IQ data for Arkansas accurate?
State IQ estimates are based on multiple studies and correlate with educational achievement data. Capital Little Rock and a population of ~3M shape labor markets and school systems. Individual variation within Arkansas remains enormous.
How does Arkansas's IQ compare to the US average?
Arkansas's estimated average IQ of 97 is approximately 1.0 points below the US average of 98.
Can I score above average even if I'm from Arkansas?
Absolutely. State averages are population statistics — they say nothing about individual potential. Your IQ reflects your specific education, environment, and opportunities, not your state of residence.
How does Arkansas compare to neighboring states on average IQ?
Arkansas (≈97.0) ranks #43 nationally. Compare with New Mexico and West Virginia in the full table on our Average IQ by State hub.
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