Average IQ in Maryland: 2026 Data, Rankings & Analysis
Quick answer — Maryland
Estimated average IQ in Maryland: ~101.2 (national rank #22 of 50). Population ~6.2M; capital Annapolis. Maryland'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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Maryland's estimated average IQ of 101.2 places it at rank #22 among US states in the South region. Figures reflect education investment and poverty — not individual potential.
Maryland data snapshot
Population (approx.)
6.2 million
Child poverty proxy
~13.4%
K-12 spend rank (proxy)
#22 of 50
Maryland Avg IQ
~101.2
US Average
~98
National Rank
#22
vs US Avg
+3.2 pts
Maryland vs neighboring and peer states
| State | Avg IQ | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 101.3 | #21 | Northeast |
| Pennsylvania | 101.1 | #23 | Northeast |
| Virginia | 101.4 | #20 | South |
| North Carolina | 99.7 | #34 | South |
Important context
State IQ averages reflect policy and economics — not genetics. Maryland's South economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
Maryland in the national rankings
| State | Avg IQ | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| Maryland | 101.2 | #22 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #49 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Factors behind Maryland's score
Education investment
Maryland K-12 spending ranks near #22 nationally in our proxy model — strongly correlated with average IQ estimates.
Poverty & inequality
Child poverty proxy ~13.4% in Maryland affects nutrition, stress, and school readiness in early childhood.
South labor market
The South economy shapes migration of college graduates in and out of Annapolis metro areas versus rural counties.
Urban vs rural mix
Maryland'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 — Maryland
What is the average IQ in Maryland?
The estimated average IQ in Maryland is approximately 101.2, placing it at rank #22 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 Maryland rank where it does in average IQ?
Maryland's ranking reflects environmental factors: education spending per pupil (approximate rank #22), poverty (~13.4% child poverty proxy), and urban/rural opportunity. Maryland'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 Maryland accurate?
State IQ estimates are based on multiple studies and correlate with educational achievement data. Capital Annapolis and a population of ~6.2M shape labor markets and school systems. Individual variation within Maryland remains enormous.
How does Maryland's IQ compare to the US average?
Maryland's estimated average IQ of 101.2 is approximately 3.2 points above the US average of 98.
Can I score above average even if I'm from Maryland?
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 Maryland compare to neighboring states on average IQ?
Maryland (≈101.2) ranks #22 nationally. Compare with New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the full table on our Average IQ by State hub.
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