Average IQ in Minnesota: 2026 Data, Rankings & Analysis
Quick answer — Minnesota
Estimated average IQ in Minnesota: ~103.7 (national rank #5 of 50). Population ~5.7M; capital Saint Paul. Minnesota's Midwest 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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Minnesota's estimated average IQ of 103.7 places it at rank #5 among US states in the Midwest region. Figures reflect education investment and poverty — not individual potential.
Minnesota data snapshot
Population (approx.)
5.7 million
Child poverty proxy
~10.4%
K-12 spend rank (proxy)
#5 of 50
Minnesota Avg IQ
~103.7
US Average
~98
National Rank
#5
vs US Avg
+5.7 pts
Minnesota vs neighboring and peer states
| State | Avg IQ | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 103.8 | #4 | Northeast |
| Connecticut | 103.1 | #6 | Northeast |
| North Dakota | 103.8 | #3 | Midwest |
| Wisconsin | 102.9 | #7 | Midwest |
Important context
State IQ averages reflect policy and economics — not genetics. Minnesota's Midwest economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
Minnesota in the national rankings
| State | Avg IQ | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| Minnesota | 103.7 | #5 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #49 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Factors behind Minnesota's score
Education investment
Minnesota K-12 spending ranks near #5 nationally in our proxy model — strongly correlated with average IQ estimates.
Poverty & inequality
Child poverty proxy ~10.4% in Minnesota affects nutrition, stress, and school readiness in early childhood.
Midwest labor market
The Midwest economy shapes migration of college graduates in and out of Saint Paul metro areas versus rural counties.
Urban vs rural mix
Minnesota'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 — Minnesota
What is the average IQ in Minnesota?
The estimated average IQ in Minnesota is approximately 103.7, placing it at rank #5 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 Minnesota rank highly in average IQ?
Minnesota's ranking reflects environmental factors: education spending per pupil (approximate rank #5), poverty (~10.4% child poverty proxy), and urban/rural opportunity. Minnesota's Midwest 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 Minnesota accurate?
State IQ estimates are based on multiple studies and correlate with educational achievement data. Capital Saint Paul and a population of ~5.7M shape labor markets and school systems. Individual variation within Minnesota remains enormous.
How does Minnesota's IQ compare to the US average?
Minnesota's estimated average IQ of 103.7 is approximately 5.7 points above the US average of 98.
Can I score above average even if I'm from Minnesota?
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 Minnesota compare to neighboring states on average IQ?
Minnesota (≈103.7) ranks #5 nationally. Compare with Vermont and Connecticut in the full table on our Average IQ by State hub.
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