Average IQ in Virginia: 2026 Data, Rankings & Analysis
Quick answer — Virginia
Estimated average IQ in Virginia: ~101.4 (national rank #20 of 50). Population ~8.6M; capital Richmond. Virginia'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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Virginia's estimated average IQ of 101.4 places it at rank #20 among US states in the South region. Figures reflect education investment and poverty — not individual potential.
Virginia data snapshot
Population (approx.)
8.6 million
Child poverty proxy
~13.1%
K-12 spend rank (proxy)
#20 of 50
Virginia Avg IQ
~101.4
US Average
~98
National Rank
#20
vs US Avg
+3.4 pts
Virginia vs neighboring and peer states
| State | Avg IQ | Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 101.5 | #19 | West |
| New Jersey | 101.3 | #21 | Northeast |
| Maryland | 101.2 | #22 | South |
| North Carolina | 99.7 | #34 | South |
Important context
State IQ averages reflect policy and economics — not genetics. Virginia's South economy mixes urban services and rural counties—county-level NAEP and graduation rates vary more than the statewide IQ estimate suggests.
Virginia in the national rankings
| State | Avg IQ | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| Virginia | 101.4 | #20 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #49 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Factors behind Virginia's score
Education investment
Virginia K-12 spending ranks near #20 nationally in our proxy model — strongly correlated with average IQ estimates.
Poverty & inequality
Child poverty proxy ~13.1% in Virginia affects nutrition, stress, and school readiness in early childhood.
South labor market
The South economy shapes migration of college graduates in and out of Richmond metro areas versus rural counties.
Urban vs rural mix
Virginia'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 — Virginia
What is the average IQ in Virginia?
The estimated average IQ in Virginia is approximately 101.4, placing it at rank #20 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 Virginia rank where it does in average IQ?
Virginia's ranking reflects environmental factors: education spending per pupil (approximate rank #20), poverty (~13.1% child poverty proxy), and urban/rural opportunity. Virginia'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 Virginia accurate?
State IQ estimates are based on multiple studies and correlate with educational achievement data. Capital Richmond and a population of ~8.6M shape labor markets and school systems. Individual variation within Virginia remains enormous.
How does Virginia's IQ compare to the US average?
Virginia's estimated average IQ of 101.4 is approximately 3.4 points above the US average of 98.
Can I score above average even if I'm from Virginia?
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 Virginia compare to neighboring states on average IQ?
Virginia (≈101.4) ranks #20 nationally. Compare with Utah and New Jersey in the full table on our Average IQ by State hub.
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