Average IQ in Colorado: 2026 Data, Rankings & Analysis
Quick answer — Colorado
Estimated average IQ in Colorado: ~101.8 (national rank #16 of 50). Population ~5.8M; capital Denver. Colorado's West 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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Colorado's estimated average IQ of 101.8 places it at rank #16 among US states in the West region. Figures reflect education investment and poverty — not individual potential.
Colorado data snapshot
Population (approx.)
5.8 million
Child poverty proxy
~12.6%
K-12 spend rank (proxy)
#16 of 50
Colorado Avg IQ
~101.8
US Average
~98
National Rank
#16
vs US Avg
+3.8 pts
Colorado vs neighboring and peer states
| State | Avg IQ | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 102 | #15 | West |
| Idaho | 101.7 | #17 | West |
| Wyoming | 102.3 | #12 | West |
| Montana | 102.2 | #13 | West |
Important context
State IQ averages reflect policy and economics — not genetics. Colorado's West economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
Colorado in the national rankings
| State | Avg IQ | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| Colorado | 101.8 | #16 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #49 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Factors behind Colorado's score
Education investment
Colorado K-12 spending ranks near #16 nationally in our proxy model — strongly correlated with average IQ estimates.
Poverty & inequality
Child poverty proxy ~12.6% in Colorado affects nutrition, stress, and school readiness in early childhood.
West labor market
The West economy shapes migration of college graduates in and out of Denver metro areas versus rural counties.
Urban vs rural mix
Colorado'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 — Colorado
What is the average IQ in Colorado?
The estimated average IQ in Colorado is approximately 101.8, placing it at rank #16 among US states. This is above 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 Colorado rank where it does in average IQ?
Colorado's ranking reflects environmental factors: education spending per pupil (approximate rank #16), poverty (~12.6% child poverty proxy), and urban/rural opportunity. Colorado's West 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 Colorado accurate?
State IQ estimates are based on multiple studies and correlate with educational achievement data. Capital Denver and a population of ~5.8M shape labor markets and school systems. Individual variation within Colorado remains enormous.
How does Colorado's IQ compare to the US average?
Colorado's estimated average IQ of 101.8 is approximately 3.8 points above the US average of 98.
Can I score above average even if I'm from Colorado?
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 Colorado compare to neighboring states on average IQ?
Colorado (≈101.8) ranks #16 nationally. Compare with Washington and Idaho in the full table on our Average IQ by State hub.
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