Average IQ in North Carolina: 2026 Data, Rankings & Analysis
Quick answer — North Carolina
Estimated average IQ in North Carolina: ~99.7 (national rank #34 of 50). Population ~10.7M; capital Raleigh. North Carolina'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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North Carolina's estimated average IQ of 99.7 places it at rank #34 among US states in the South region. Figures reflect education investment and poverty — not individual potential.
North Carolina data snapshot
Population (approx.)
10.7 million
Child poverty proxy
~15.2%
K-12 spend rank (proxy)
#34 of 50
North Carolina Avg IQ
~99.7
US Average
~98
National Rank
#34
vs US Avg
+1.7 pts
North Carolina vs neighboring and peer states
| State | Avg IQ | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 99.8 | #33 | West |
| Florida | 99.5 | #35 | South |
| Virginia | 101.4 | #20 | South |
| Maryland | 101.2 | #22 | South |
Important context
State IQ averages reflect policy and economics — not genetics. North Carolina's South economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
North Carolina in the national rankings
| State | Avg IQ | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| North Carolina | 99.7 | #34 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #49 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Factors behind North Carolina's score
Education investment
North Carolina K-12 spending ranks near #34 nationally in our proxy model — strongly correlated with average IQ estimates.
Poverty & inequality
Child poverty proxy ~15.2% in North Carolina affects nutrition, stress, and school readiness in early childhood.
South labor market
The South economy shapes migration of college graduates in and out of Raleigh metro areas versus rural counties.
Urban vs rural mix
North Carolina'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 — North Carolina
What is the average IQ in North Carolina?
The estimated average IQ in North Carolina is approximately 99.7, placing it at rank #34 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 North Carolina rank where it does in average IQ?
North Carolina's ranking reflects environmental factors: education spending per pupil (approximate rank #34), poverty (~15.2% child poverty proxy), and urban/rural opportunity. North Carolina'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 North Carolina accurate?
State IQ estimates are based on multiple studies and correlate with educational achievement data. Capital Raleigh and a population of ~10.7M shape labor markets and school systems. Individual variation within North Carolina remains enormous.
How does North Carolina's IQ compare to the US average?
North Carolina's estimated average IQ of 99.7 is approximately 1.7 points above the US average of 98.
Can I score above average even if I'm from North Carolina?
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 North Carolina compare to neighboring states on average IQ?
North Carolina (≈99.7) ranks #34 nationally. Compare with Arizona and Florida in the full table on our Average IQ by State hub.
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