Average IQ in Missouri: 2026 Data, Rankings & Analysis
Quick answer — Missouri
Estimated average IQ in Missouri: ~100.5 (national rank #27 of 50). Population ~6.2M; capital Jefferson City. Missouri'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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Missouri's estimated average IQ of 100.5 places it at rank #27 among US states in the Midwest region. Figures reflect education investment and poverty — not individual potential.
Missouri data snapshot
Population (approx.)
6.2 million
Child poverty proxy
~14.2%
K-12 spend rank (proxy)
#27 of 50
Missouri Avg IQ
~100.5
US Average
~98
National Rank
#27
vs US Avg
+2.5 pts
Missouri vs neighboring and peer states
| State | Avg IQ | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 100.7 | #26 | Midwest |
| Illinois | 100.4 | #28 | Midwest |
| North Dakota | 103.8 | #3 | Midwest |
| Minnesota | 103.7 | #5 | Midwest |
Important context
State IQ averages reflect policy and economics — not genetics. Missouri's Midwest economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
Missouri in the national rankings
| State | Avg IQ | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| Missouri | 100.5 | #27 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #49 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Factors behind Missouri's score
Education investment
Missouri K-12 spending ranks near #27 nationally in our proxy model — strongly correlated with average IQ estimates.
Poverty & inequality
Child poverty proxy ~14.2% in Missouri affects nutrition, stress, and school readiness in early childhood.
Midwest labor market
The Midwest economy shapes migration of college graduates in and out of Jefferson City metro areas versus rural counties.
Urban vs rural mix
Missouri'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 — Missouri
What is the average IQ in Missouri?
The estimated average IQ in Missouri is approximately 100.5, placing it at rank #27 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 Missouri rank where it does in average IQ?
Missouri's ranking reflects environmental factors: education spending per pupil (approximate rank #27), poverty (~14.2% child poverty proxy), and urban/rural opportunity. Missouri'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 Missouri accurate?
State IQ estimates are based on multiple studies and correlate with educational achievement data. Capital Jefferson City and a population of ~6.2M shape labor markets and school systems. Individual variation within Missouri remains enormous.
How does Missouri's IQ compare to the US average?
Missouri's estimated average IQ of 100.5 is approximately 2.5 points above the US average of 98.
Can I score above average even if I'm from Missouri?
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 Missouri compare to neighboring states on average IQ?
Missouri (≈100.5) ranks #27 nationally. Compare with Indiana and Illinois in the full table on our Average IQ by State hub.
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