Average IQ by State: 2026 US Rankings, Data & Analysis
Direct answer
U.S. state IQ averages are group estimates (often ~94–104), not personal scores. Massachusetts typically ranks highest; Mississippi lowest. Compare your own score with the 3-minute IQ test.
How Does Your IQ Compare to Your State's Average?
Take our 3-minute test and find out where you stand — regardless of where you live.
IQ scores vary significantly across US states — from Massachusetts at the top (~104) to Mississippi at the bottom (~94). That's a 10-point gap driven almost entirely by education funding, poverty rates, and access to resources. Here's the complete 2026 state-by-state breakdown with context.
Important Context
State IQ differences reflect education investment, poverty rates, and access to resources — not inherent differences in cognitive potential. These are policy outcomes. Individual scores vary enormously within every state.
Complete IQ Rankings by State (2026)
| Rank | State | Avg IQ | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | 104.3 | Northeast |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 104.2 | Northeast |
| 3 | North Dakota | 103.8 | Midwest |
| 4 | Vermont | 103.8 | Northeast |
| 5 | Minnesota | 103.7 | Midwest |
| 6 | Connecticut | 103.1 | Northeast |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 102.9 | Midwest |
| 8 | Kansas | 102.8 | Midwest |
| 9 | Iowa | 102.6 | Midwest |
| 10 | Nebraska | 102.5 | Midwest |
| 11 | South Dakota | 102.4 | Midwest |
| 12 | Wyoming | 102.3 | West |
| 13 | Montana | 102.2 | West |
| 14 | Oregon | 102.1 | West |
| 15 | Washington | 102 | West |
| 16 | Colorado | 101.8 | West |
| 17 | Idaho | 101.7 | West |
| 18 | Maine | 101.6 | Northeast |
| 19 | Utah | 101.5 | West |
| 20 | Virginia | 101.4 | South |
| 21 | New Jersey | 101.3 | Northeast |
| 22 | Maryland | 101.2 | South |
| 23 | Pennsylvania | 101.1 | Northeast |
| 24 | Ohio | 100.9 | Midwest |
| 25 | Michigan | 100.8 | Midwest |
| 26 | Indiana | 100.7 | Midwest |
| 27 | Missouri | 100.5 | Midwest |
| 28 | Illinois | 100.4 | Midwest |
| 29 | New York | 100.3 | Northeast |
| 30 | Delaware | 100.2 | Northeast |
| 31 | Rhode Island | 100.1 | Northeast |
| 32 | Alaska | 100 | West |
| 33 | Arizona | 99.8 | West |
| 34 | North Carolina | 99.7 | South |
| 35 | Florida | 99.5 | South |
| 36 | Georgia | 99.4 | South |
| 37 | Texas | 99.3 | South |
| 38 | California | 99.2 | West |
| 39 | South Carolina | 99 | South |
| 40 | Oklahoma | 98.8 | South |
| 41 | Hawaii | 98.7 | West |
| 42 | New Mexico | 98.5 | West |
| 43 | Arkansas | 97 | South |
| 44 | West Virginia | 97 | South |
| 45 | Kentucky | 97.3 | South |
| 46 | Tennessee | 97.7 | South |
| 47 | Nevada | 97.8 | West |
| 48 | Alabama | 95.7 | South |
| 49 | Louisiana | 95.3 | South |
| 50 | Mississippi | 94.2 | South |
Top 10 Highest IQ States
10 Lowest IQ States
IQ by Region
| Region | Average IQ | Highest State | Lowest State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | ~102.1 | Massachusetts (104.3) | Rhode Island (100.1) |
| Midwest | ~101.5 | North Dakota (103.8) | Missouri (100.5) |
| West | ~100.8 | Wyoming (102.3) | New Mexico (98.5) |
| South | ~98.6 | Virginia (101.4) | Mississippi (94.2) |
What Drives State IQ Differences?
Education spending per pupil
States spending $15,000+ per student (Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut) consistently score higher. Mississippi spends ~$8,500 per student. More funding means better teachers, resources, and cognitive development opportunities.
Poverty rate
Poverty is the single strongest predictor of state IQ scores. Children in poverty face nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress, and less cognitive stimulation — all of which impair brain development. Mississippi's 19% poverty rate vs Massachusetts's 9% explains much of the gap.
Urbanization
Urban areas provide more cognitive stimulation, better schools, and more diverse experiences. Heavily urban states (Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut) score higher. However, rural states with strong education systems (North Dakota, Vermont) also rank high.
Healthcare access
States with Medicaid expansion and universal prenatal care show better cognitive outcomes. Early childhood health interventions (nutrition programs, lead paint removal, iodine supplementation) have measurable IQ effects.
Industry and workforce composition
States with large tech, finance, and research sectors attract high-IQ workers, raising the average. Massachusetts (biotech, universities), Washington (tech), and Virginia (government/defense) benefit from this effect.
Notable State Highlights
Massachusetts — The Consistent #1
Massachusetts has ranked #1 or #2 in state IQ estimates for decades. Key factors: the highest concentration of universities per capita in the US (Harvard, MIT, Tufts, Boston University), top-tier public schools, high median household income (~$89,000), and low poverty rate (~9%). The state spends ~$18,000 per pupil annually.
Mississippi — The Persistent Last
Mississippi's low ranking reflects decades of underinvestment in education and high poverty. The state has the highest poverty rate in the US (~19%), lowest education spending, and significant rural isolation. However, Mississippi has shown improvement over the past 20 years as federal programs and economic development have expanded.
California — Surprisingly Middle-of-Pack
Despite being home to Silicon Valley and world-class universities, California ranks 38th (~99.2). This reflects the state's enormous diversity and large low-income immigrant population. California has both the highest concentration of genius-level individuals and significant populations facing educational disadvantages.
Texas — Similar Story
Texas ranks 37th (~99.3) for similar reasons — large, diverse population with significant income inequality. Texas has world-class universities and tech hubs (Austin, Dallas) but also large rural and low-income populations that bring the average down.
IQ Trends: Are State Gaps Narrowing?
The gap between highest and lowest states has narrowed slightly over the past 30 years, driven by:
Federal education programs (Title I, Head Start) targeting low-income states
Medicaid expansion improving healthcare access in lower-ranking states
Economic development bringing higher-wage jobs to the South
Internet access reducing information gaps between urban and rural areas
Lead paint and environmental remediation programs
What This Means for You
State averages are population statistics — they don't predict individual scores. Here's what actually matters:
Individual variation within states is far larger than variation between states
Your IQ reflects your specific education, environment, and opportunities — not your state
Every state has people scoring 130, 140, and higher
Moving to a higher-ranking state doesn't change your IQ
Investing in education and cognitive development matters far more than geography
Related guides (searchers also read)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US state has the highest average IQ?
Massachusetts consistently ranks #1 with an estimated average IQ of ~104.3, followed by New Hampshire (~104.2), North Dakota (~103.8), and Vermont (~103.8). These states share high education spending, low poverty rates, and strong public school systems.
Which US state has the lowest average IQ?
Mississippi typically ranks last with an estimated average IQ of ~94.2, followed by Louisiana (~95.3) and Alabama (~95.7). These differences reflect education funding gaps, poverty rates, and access to cognitive development resources — not inherent differences in potential.
Why do IQ scores vary so much between states?
State IQ differences are driven by: education spending per pupil, poverty rates, access to healthcare, urbanization, and demographic factors. States that invest more in education and have lower poverty consistently score higher. These are policy outcomes, not fixed characteristics.
Is the IQ gap between states getting smaller?
Yes, slowly. Federal education programs, Medicaid expansion, and economic development in historically lower-scoring states have narrowed the gap over decades. However, significant differences persist due to ongoing disparities in education funding and economic opportunity.
How does my state's average IQ affect me personally?
It doesn't. State averages are population statistics — they say nothing about individual potential. Millions of people in 'lower-IQ' states score well above the national average, and vice versa. Your IQ reflects your specific environment, education, and opportunities, not your zip code.
Conclusion
State IQ rankings reveal a clear pattern: states that invest in education, reduce poverty, and provide healthcare access score higher. The 10-point gap between Massachusetts and Mississippi is a policy gap, not a genetic one. As these conditions improve, the gap narrows.
For individuals, the takeaway is simple: your state's average doesn't define you. Focus on your own education, cognitive development, and opportunities — those are the factors you can actually control.
Find Out Your Personal IQ Score
State averages don't define you. Discover your individual score in 3 minutes.
3 minutes · See your score · Full report available
Continue Reading
What people are saying
"Showed it to my family group, became the topic right away 😂"
— John M.
"Discovered my IQ is higher than 92% of people."
— Laura S.
"Very well-made test, complete and detailed result!"
— Carlos R.
"Shared on WhatsApp and several friends took it too."
— Ana P.
"Surprising result! Didn't expect to have such a high IQ."
— Pedro L.
"Very quick and easy to take. Highly recommend!"
— Mariana F.
"The result analysis was very complete and useful."
— Ricardo T.
"Did it with my daughter and she loved discovering her IQ."
— Patricia M.