Average IQ in Tennessee: 2026 Data, Rankings & Analysis
Quick answer — Tennessee
Estimated average IQ in Tennessee: ~97.7 (national rank #46 of 50). Population ~7.1M; capital Nashville. Tennessee'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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Tennessee's estimated average IQ of 97.7 places it at rank #46 among US states in the South region. Figures reflect education investment and poverty — not individual potential.
Tennessee data snapshot
Population (approx.)
7.1 million
Child poverty proxy
~17.6%
K-12 spend rank (proxy)
#46 of 50
Tennessee Avg IQ
~97.7
US Average
~98
National Rank
#46
vs US Avg
-0.3 pts
Tennessee vs neighboring and peer states
| State | Avg IQ | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 97.3 | #45 | South |
| Nevada | 97.8 | #47 | West |
| Virginia | 101.4 | #20 | South |
| Maryland | 101.2 | #22 | South |
Important context
State IQ averages reflect policy and economics — not genetics. Tennessee's South economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
Tennessee in the national rankings
| State | Avg IQ | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| Tennessee | 97.7 | #46 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #49 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Factors behind Tennessee's score
Education investment
Tennessee K-12 spending ranks near #46 nationally in our proxy model — strongly correlated with average IQ estimates.
Poverty & inequality
Child poverty proxy ~17.6% in Tennessee affects nutrition, stress, and school readiness in early childhood.
South labor market
The South economy shapes migration of college graduates in and out of Nashville metro areas versus rural counties.
Urban vs rural mix
Tennessee'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 — Tennessee
What is the average IQ in Tennessee?
The estimated average IQ in Tennessee is approximately 97.7, placing it at rank #46 among US states. This is below 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 Tennessee rank lower in average IQ?
Tennessee's ranking reflects environmental factors: education spending per pupil (approximate rank #46), poverty (~17.6% child poverty proxy), and urban/rural opportunity. Tennessee'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 Tennessee accurate?
State IQ estimates are based on multiple studies and correlate with educational achievement data. Capital Nashville and a population of ~7.1M shape labor markets and school systems. Individual variation within Tennessee remains enormous.
How does Tennessee's IQ compare to the US average?
Tennessee's estimated average IQ of 97.7 is approximately 0.3 points below the US average of 98.
Can I score above average even if I'm from Tennessee?
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 Tennessee compare to neighboring states on average IQ?
Tennessee (≈97.7) ranks #46 nationally. Compare with Kentucky and Nevada in the full table on our Average IQ by State hub.
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