Average IQ in North Dakota: 2026 Data, Rankings & Analysis
Quick answer — North Dakota
Estimated average IQ in North Dakota: ~103.8 (national rank #3 of 50). Population ~0.8M; capital Bismarck. North Dakota'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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North Dakota's estimated average IQ of 103.8 places it at rank #3 among US states in the Midwest region. Figures reflect education investment and poverty — not individual potential.
North Dakota data snapshot
Population (approx.)
0.8 million
Child poverty proxy
~10.2%
K-12 spend rank (proxy)
#3 of 50
North Dakota Avg IQ
~103.8
US Average
~98
National Rank
#3
vs US Avg
+5.8 pts
North Dakota vs neighboring and peer states
| State | Avg IQ | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 | Northeast |
| Vermont | 103.8 | #4 | Northeast |
| Minnesota | 103.7 | #5 | Midwest |
| Wisconsin | 102.9 | #7 | Midwest |
Important context
State IQ averages reflect policy and economics — not genetics. North Dakota's Midwest economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
North Dakota in the national rankings
| State | Avg IQ | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| North Dakota | 103.8 | #3 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #49 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Factors behind North Dakota's score
Education investment
North Dakota K-12 spending ranks near #3 nationally in our proxy model — strongly correlated with average IQ estimates.
Poverty & inequality
Child poverty proxy ~10.2% in North Dakota affects nutrition, stress, and school readiness in early childhood.
Midwest labor market
The Midwest economy shapes migration of college graduates in and out of Bismarck metro areas versus rural counties.
Urban vs rural mix
North Dakota'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 Dakota
What is the average IQ in North Dakota?
The estimated average IQ in North Dakota is approximately 103.8, placing it at rank #3 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 Dakota rank highly in average IQ?
North Dakota's ranking reflects environmental factors: education spending per pupil (approximate rank #3), poverty (~10.2% child poverty proxy), and urban/rural opportunity. North Dakota'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 North Dakota accurate?
State IQ estimates are based on multiple studies and correlate with educational achievement data. Capital Bismarck and a population of ~0.8M shape labor markets and school systems. Individual variation within North Dakota remains enormous.
How does North Dakota's IQ compare to the US average?
North Dakota's estimated average IQ of 103.8 is approximately 5.8 points above the US average of 98.
Can I score above average even if I'm from North Dakota?
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 Dakota compare to neighboring states on average IQ?
North Dakota (≈103.8) ranks #3 nationally. Compare with New Hampshire and Vermont in the full table on our Average IQ by State hub.
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