Average IQ in Louisiana: 2026 Data, Rankings & Analysis
Quick answer — Louisiana
Estimated average IQ in Louisiana: ~95.3 (national rank #49 of 50). Population ~4.6M; capital Baton Rouge. Louisiana'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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Louisiana's estimated average IQ of 95.3 places it at rank #49 among US states in the South region. Figures reflect education investment and poverty — not individual potential.
Louisiana data snapshot
Population (approx.)
4.6 million
Child poverty proxy
~20.4%
K-12 spend rank (proxy)
#49 of 50
Louisiana Avg IQ
~95.3
US Average
~98
National Rank
#49
vs US Avg
-2.7 pts
Louisiana vs neighboring and peer states
| State | Avg IQ | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 95.7 | #48 | South |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 | South |
| Virginia | 101.4 | #20 | South |
| Maryland | 101.2 | #22 | South |
Important context
State IQ averages reflect policy and economics — not genetics. Louisiana's South economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
Louisiana in the national rankings
| State | Avg IQ | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #49 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Factors behind Louisiana's score
Education investment
Louisiana K-12 spending ranks near #49 nationally in our proxy model — strongly correlated with average IQ estimates.
Poverty & inequality
Child poverty proxy ~20.4% in Louisiana affects nutrition, stress, and school readiness in early childhood.
South labor market
The South economy shapes migration of college graduates in and out of Baton Rouge metro areas versus rural counties.
Urban vs rural mix
Louisiana'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 — Louisiana
What is the average IQ in Louisiana?
The estimated average IQ in Louisiana is approximately 95.3, placing it at rank #49 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 Louisiana rank lower in average IQ?
Louisiana's ranking reflects environmental factors: education spending per pupil (approximate rank #49), poverty (~20.4% child poverty proxy), and urban/rural opportunity. Louisiana'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 Louisiana accurate?
State IQ estimates are based on multiple studies and correlate with educational achievement data. Capital Baton Rouge and a population of ~4.6M shape labor markets and school systems. Individual variation within Louisiana remains enormous.
How does Louisiana's IQ compare to the US average?
Louisiana's estimated average IQ of 95.3 is approximately 2.7 points below the US average of 98.
Can I score above average even if I'm from Louisiana?
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 Louisiana compare to neighboring states on average IQ?
Louisiana (≈95.3) ranks #49 nationally. Compare with Alabama and Mississippi in the full table on our Average IQ by State hub.
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