Introduction
Some states in the US are smarter than others, meaning that they have an average IQ that is higher than in other states. For example, residents of Massachusetts have the highest average IQ in the country, with an average score of 104.3 on intelligence tests. In comparison, Mississippi has the lowest average IQ score in the United States, with a score of 94.2 on intelligence tests. This 10-point difference can be attributed to various factors such as economic resources, educational opportunities, and socio-cultural influences between states. Additionally, access to healthcare may play a role in this phenomenon as healthy individuals tend to obtain higher scores on intelligence tests.
Other important factors include nutrition and quality of life; living in an environment with fewer environmental pollutants such as air pollution may increase cognitive functioning and improve IQ scores overall. Furthermore, studies suggest that people who live in states with higher median income levels tend to perform better on intelligence tests compared to those living in poverty-stricken areas. Generally, those states with a higher level of education also have higher collective IQs due to more students taking advanced courses and being exposed to more challenging learning materials at school. Ultimately, these differences between state intelligence levels are complex and are likely caused by many different facets of society coming together that ultimately lead to differences between state averages for IQ.
# | State | Average IQ | Literacy Rate | Numeracy Rate | Average SAT Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Massachusetts | 104.3 | 82.7% | 74.9% | 1,029 |
2 | New Hampshire | 104.2 | 88.5% | 80.9% | 1,050 |
3 | North Dakota | 103.8 | 86.6% | 79% | 1,212 |
4 | Vermont | 103.8 | 87.2% | 79% | 1,095 |
5 | Minnesota | 103.7 | 86.9% | 79.6% | 1,225 |
6 | Maine | 103.4 | 86.6% | 77.1% | 1,081 |
7 | Montana | 103.4 | 86.9% | 77.3% | 1,206 |
8 | Iowa | 103.2 | 85.1% | 77% | 1,196 |
9 | Connecticut | 103.1 | 82.8% | 74% | 1,025 |
10 | Wisconsin | 102.9 | 84.7% | 75.8% | 1,252 |
11 | Kansas | 102.8 | 83.1% | 75% | 1,238 |
12 | New Jersey | 102.8 | 79.3% | 69.9% | 1,079 |
13 | South Dakota | 102.8 | 85.1% | 76.3% | 1,219 |
14 | Wyoming | 102.4 | 86.4% | 77.5% | 1,244 |
15 | Nebraska | 102.3 | 83.6% | 75.7% | 1,222 |
16 | Virginia | 101.9 | 81.2% | 71.6% | 1,124 |
17 | Washington | 101.9 | 83.9% | 76.5% | 1,096 |
18 | Ohio | 101.8 | 82.3% | 71.2% | 1,053 |
19 | Indiana | 101.7 | 81.3% | 70.5% | 1,073 |
20 | Colorado | 101.6 | 83.4% | 75.2% | 1,021 |
21 | Pennsylvania | 101.5 | 81.9% | 71.3% | 1,091 |
22 | Idaho | 101.4 | 83.6% | 74.3% | 968 |
23 | Oregon | 101.2 | 83.2% | 75.3% | 1,143 |
24 | Utah | 101.1 | 85.5% | 77.7% | 1,233 |
25 | Missouri | 101 | 81.1% | 70.9% | 1,200 |
26 | New York | 100.7 | 75.6% | 65.3% | 1,067 |
27 | Michigan | 100.5 | 82.4% | 72% | 1,000 |
28 | Delaware | 100.4 | 79.7% | 68.8% | 968 |
29 | North Carolina | 100.2 | 78.7% | 67.1% | 1,136 |
30 | Texas | 100 | 71.8% | 61.5% | 1,001 |
31 | Illinois | 99.9 | 79.6% | 69.9% | 981 |
32 | Maryland | 99.7 | 80% | 69.8% | 1,075 |
33 | Rhode Island | 99.5 | 79.6% | 70.4% | 971 |
34 | Kentucky | 99.4 | 78.1% | 66.3% | 1,219 |
35 | Oklahoma | 99.3 | 79.9% | 69% | 951 |
36 | Alaska | 99 | 87.3% | 79.2% | 1,110 |
37 | West Virginia | 98.7 | 79.1% | 67.2% | 938 |
38 | Florida | 98.4 | 76.3% | 65.2% | 983 |
39 | South Carolina | 98.4 | 77.6% | 65% | 1,030 |
40 | Georgia | 98 | 76.4% | 63.4% | 1,060 |
41 | Tennessee | 97.7 | 78.3% | 66% | 1,200 |
42 | Arkansas | 97.5 | 76.9% | 64.3% | 1,191 |
43 | Arizona | 97.4 | 76.6% | 66.8% | 1,159 |
44 | Nevada | 96.5 | 74.7% | 63.5% | 1,172 |
45 | Alabama | 95.7 | 76.1% | 62.6% | 1,146 |
46 | New Mexico | 95.7 | 70.9% | 60.5% | 976 |
47 | Hawaii | 95.6 | 84.1% | 76.6% | 1,124 |
48 | California | 95.5 | 71.6% | 64% | 1,115 |
49 | Louisiana | 95.3 | 72.9% | 58.4% | 1,171 |
50 | Mississippi | 94.2 | 72% | 56.6% | 1,226 |
Smartest States
The smartest states in the US are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, Minnesota, Maine, Montana, Iowa, Connecticut, and Wisconsin. Massachusetts has an average IQ of 104.3, making it the smartest state in the country. New Hampshire is the second smartest state, with an average IQ of 104.2. Positioned in third and fourth place for smartest states in the US, with average IQ scores of 103.8, are North Dakota and Vermont. Minnesota ranks fifth smartest state, with an average IQ of 103.7. Both Maine, sixth, and Montana, seventh smartest states, have an average IQ score of 103.4. With an average IQ of 103.2, Iowa ranks eighth smartest state compared to the rest of the US. Connecticut ranks as ninth smartest state in America with an average IQ score of 103.1. Finally, Wisconsin is the tenth smartest state in the US, with an average IQ of 102.9.
Smartest States in the US
1. Massachusetts – 104.3
2. New Hampshire – 104.2
3. North Dakota – 103.8
4. Vermont – 103.8
5. Minnesota – 103.7
6. Maine – 103.4
7. Montana – 103.4
8. Iowa – 103.2
9. Connecticut – 103.1
10. Wisconsin – 102.9
Smartest State
Massachusetts is the smartest state, with an average IQ of 104.3, making it 9 points higher than the national average. This is largely attributed to its world-renowned education system, which is renowned for producing some of the most intelligent minds in the country. Massachusetts has invested heavily in its educational and research institutions, giving students access to opportunities that many other states do not have. The state also has a high concentration of top universities and colleges such as Harvard University, MIT, and Tufts University, which are consistently ranked among the best schools in the world. Additionally, Massachusetts has a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, which drives their economic growth and encourages intellectual development across all levels of society. Furthermore, Massachusetts boasts a high number of highly skilled workers with expertise in various fields such as engineering, finance and technology. All these factors converge to make Massachusetts one of the most intellectually vibrant states in America today.
Average IQ by State
Alabama
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95.7
Ranked in the US
#45
Literacy Rate
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76.1%
Ranked in the US
#44
Numeracy Rate
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62.6%
Ranked in the US
#47
1,146
↓ 1.12%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#19
The forty-fifth smartest state in the U.S. is Alabama. The state has an average IQ of 95.7 and has one of the lowest average IQ scores in the United States.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Alaska
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99
Ranked in the US
#36
Literacy Rate
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87.3%
Ranked in the US
#2
Numeracy Rate
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79.2%
Ranked in the US
#3
1,110
↓ 0.8%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#25
The thirty-sixth smartest state in the United States is Alaska. The state has an average IQ of 99, this is a relatively low average IQ compared to other U.S. states.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Arizona
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97.4
Ranked in the US
#43
Literacy Rate
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76.6%
Ranked in the US
#41
Numeracy Rate
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66.8%
Ranked in the US
#36
1,159
↓ 1.86%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#18
The forty-third smartest state in the country is Arizona. The state has an average IQ of 97.4 and has a relatively low average IQ when compared to other U.S. states.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Arkansas
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97.5
Ranked in the US
#42
Literacy Rate
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76.9%
Ranked in the US
#40
Numeracy Rate
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64.3%
Ranked in the US
#43
1,191
↓ 0.25%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#15
The forty-second smartest state in the U.S. is Arkansas. The state has an average IQ of 97.5 which is a low average IQ compared to other states.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
California
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95.5
Ranked in the US
#48
Literacy Rate
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71.6%
Ranked in the US
#50
Numeracy Rate
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64%
Ranked in the US
#44
1,115
↑ 5.49%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#24
The forty-eighth smartest state in the United States is California. The state has an average IQ of 95.5, which is one of the lowest average IQs in the United States.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Colorado
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101.6
Ranked in the US
#20
Literacy Rate
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83.4%
Ranked in the US
#17
Numeracy Rate
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75.2%
Ranked in the US
#17
1,021
↓ 4.76%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#40
The twentieth smartest state in the U.S. is Colorado. The state has an average IQ of 101.6.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Connecticut
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103.1
Ranked in the US
#9
Literacy Rate
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82.8%
Ranked in the US
#20
Numeracy Rate
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74%
Ranked in the US
#21
1,025
↓ 4.38%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#39
The ninth smartest state in the United States is Connecticut. The state has an average IQ of 103.1, one of the highest average IQs in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Delaware
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100.4
Ranked in the US
#28
Literacy Rate
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79.7%
Ranked in the US
#30
Numeracy Rate
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68.8%
Ranked in the US
#33
968
↓ 1.63%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#48
The twenty-eighth smartest state in the U.S. is Delaware. The state has an average IQ of 100.4.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Florida
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98.4
Ranked in the US
#38
Literacy Rate
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76.3%
Ranked in the US
#43
Numeracy Rate
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65.2%
Ranked in the US
#41
983
↓ 1.01%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#44
The thirty-eighth smartest state in the United States is Florida. The state has an average IQ of 98.4.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Georgia
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98
Ranked in the US
#40
Literacy Rate
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76.4%
Ranked in the US
#42
Numeracy Rate
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63.4%
Ranked in the US
#46
1,060
↓ 2.39%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#34
The fortieth smartest state in the U.S. is Georgia. The state has an average IQ of 98.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Hawaii
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95.6
Ranked in the US
#47
Literacy Rate
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84.1%
Ranked in the US
#13
Numeracy Rate
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76.6%
Ranked in the US
#11
1,124
↓ 1.75%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#22
The forty-seventh smartest state in the country is Hawaii. The state has an average IQ of 95.6 and is one of the lowest average IQs in the United States.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Idaho
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101.4
Ranked in the US
#22
Literacy Rate
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83.6%
Ranked in the US
#15
Numeracy Rate
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74.3%
Ranked in the US
#20
968
↓ 1.73%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#49
The twenty-second smartest state in the U.S. is Idaho. The state has an average IQ of 101.4.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Illinois
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99.9
Ranked in the US
#31
Literacy Rate
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79.6%
Ranked in the US
#31
Numeracy Rate
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69.9%
Ranked in the US
#29
981
↓ 2.58%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#45
The thirty-first smartest state in the United States is Illinois. The state has an average IQ of 99.9.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Indiana
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101.7
Ranked in the US
#19
Literacy Rate
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81.3%
Ranked in the US
#25
Numeracy Rate
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70.5%
Ranked in the US
#27
1,073
↓ 2.01%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#32
The nineteenth smartest state in the U.S. is Indiana. The state has an average IQ of 101.7.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Iowa
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103.2
Ranked in the US
#8
Literacy Rate
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85.1%
Ranked in the US
#10
Numeracy Rate
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77%
Ranked in the US
#10
1,196
↓ 3.78%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#14
The eighth smartest state in the United States is Iowa. The state has one of the highest average IQs in the U.S. at 103.2.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Kansas
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102.8
Ranked in the US
#11
Literacy Rate
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83.1%
Ranked in the US
#19
Numeracy Rate
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75%
Ranked in the US
#18
1,238
↑ 1.56%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#3
The eleventh smartest state in the country is Kansas.The state has an average IQ of 102.8 and is one of the highest average IQs in the U.S.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Kentucky
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99.4
Ranked in the US
#34
Literacy Rate
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78.1%
Ranked in the US
#37
Numeracy Rate
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66.3%
Ranked in the US
#37
1,219
↑ 0.99%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#8
The thirty-fourth smartest state in the United States is Kentucky. The state has an average IQ of 99.4.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Louisiana
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95.3
Ranked in the US
#49
Literacy Rate
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72.9%
Ranked in the US
#47
Numeracy Rate
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58.4%
Ranked in the US
#50
1,171
↓ 1.43%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#17
The forty-ninth smartest state in the U.S. is Louisiana. The state has an average IQ of 95.3 and is one of the least smart states in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Maine
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103.4
Ranked in the US
#6
Literacy Rate
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86.6%
Ranked in the US
#6
Numeracy Rate
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77.1%
Ranked in the US
#9
1,081
↓ 1.64%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#29
The sixth smartest state in the United States is Maine. The state has one of the highest average IQs in the country at 103.4.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Maryland
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99.7
Ranked in the US
#32
Literacy Rate
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80%
Ranked in the US
#28
Numeracy Rate
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69.8%
Ranked in the US
#31
1,075
↑ 0.19%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#31
The thirty-second smartest state in the U.S. is Maryland. The state has an average IQ of 99.7.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Massachusetts
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104.3
Ranked in the US
#1
Literacy Rate
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82.7%
Ranked in the US
#21
Numeracy Rate
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74.9%
Ranked in the US
#19
1,029
↓ 13.09%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#38
The first smartest state in the U.S. is Massachusetts. The state has the highest average IQ in the country at 104.3.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Michigan
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100.5
Ranked in the US
#27
Literacy Rate
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82.4%
Ranked in the US
#22
Numeracy Rate
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72%
Ranked in the US
#22
1,000
↓ 3.01%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#42
The twenty-seventh smartest state in the United States is Michigan. The state has an average IQ of 100.5.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Minnesota
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103.7
Ranked in the US
#5
Literacy Rate
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86.9%
Ranked in the US
#4
Numeracy Rate
help
79.6%
Ranked in the US
#2
1,225
↓ 3.01%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#6
The fifth smartest state in the U.S. is Minnesota. The state has an average IQ of 103.7 and is one of the smartest states in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Mississippi
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94.2
Ranked in the US
#50
Literacy Rate
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72%
Ranked in the US
#48
Numeracy Rate
help
56.6%
Ranked in the US
#51
1,226
↑ 2%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#5
The fiftieth smartest state in the United States is Mississippi.The state has an average IQ of 94.2, the lowest average IQ in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Missouri
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101
Ranked in the US
#25
Literacy Rate
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81.1%
Ranked in the US
#27
Numeracy Rate
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70.9%
Ranked in the US
#26
1,200
↓ 1.56%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#12
The twenty-fifth smartest state in the U.S. is Missouri. The state has an average IQ of 101, one of the higher average IQs in the nation.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Montana
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103.4
Ranked in the US
#7
Literacy Rate
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86.9%
Ranked in the US
#5
Numeracy Rate
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77.3%
Ranked in the US
#8
1,206
↓ 1.55%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#11
The seventh smartest state in the United States is Montana. The state has an average IQ of 103.4 and is one of the smartest states in the nation.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Nebraska
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102.3
Ranked in the US
#15
Literacy Rate
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83.6%
Ranked in the US
#16
Numeracy Rate
help
75.7%
Ranked in the US
#15
1,222
↓ 1.93%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#7
The fifthteenth smartest state in the country is Nebraska. The state has an average IQ of 102.3 and is one of the smartest states in the U.S.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Nevada
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96.5
Ranked in the US
#44
Literacy Rate
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74.7%
Ranked in the US
#46
Numeracy Rate
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63.5%
Ranked in the US
#45
1,172
↓ 1.92%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#16
The forty-fourth smartest state in the United States is Nevada. The state has an average IQ of 96.5 and is one of the least smart states in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
New Hampshire
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104.2
Ranked in the US
#2
Literacy Rate
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88.5%
Ranked in the US
#1
Numeracy Rate
help
80.9%
Ranked in the US
#1
1,050
↓ 1.41%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#36
The second smartest state in the U.S. is New Hampshire. The state has an average IQ of 104.2 and is one of the smartest in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
New Jersey
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102.8
Ranked in the US
#12
Literacy Rate
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79.3%
Ranked in the US
#33
Numeracy Rate
help
69.9%
Ranked in the US
#30
1,079
↓ 4.09%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#30
The twelfth smartest state in the United States is New Jersey. The state has an average IQ of 102.8 and is one of the smartest states in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
New Mexico
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95.7
Ranked in the US
#46
Literacy Rate
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70.9%
Ranked in the US
#51
Numeracy Rate
help
60.5%
Ranked in the US
#49
976
↓ 2.01%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#46
The forty-sixth smartest state in the U.S. is New Mexico. The state has an average IQ of 95.7 and is one of the least smart states in the nation.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
New York
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100.7
Ranked in the US
#26
Literacy Rate
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75.6%
Ranked in the US
#45
Numeracy Rate
help
65.3%
Ranked in the US
#40
1,067
↑ 0.95%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#33
The twenty-sixth smartest state in the U.S. is New York. The state has an average IQ of 100.7.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
North Carolina
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100.2
Ranked in the US
#29
Literacy Rate
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78.7%
Ranked in the US
#35
Numeracy Rate
help
67.1%
Ranked in the US
#35
1,136
↓ 1.22%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#21
The twenty-ninth smartest state in the United States is North Carolina. The state has an average IQ of 100.2.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
North Dakota
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103.8
Ranked in the US
#3
Literacy Rate
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86.6%
Ranked in the US
#7
Numeracy Rate
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79%
Ranked in the US
#4
1,212
↓ 3.66%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#10
The third smartest state in the U.S. is North Dakota. The state has an average IQ of 103.8 and is one of the smartest states in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Ohio
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101.8
Ranked in the US
#18
Literacy Rate
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82.3%
Ranked in the US
#23
Numeracy Rate
help
71.2%
Ranked in the US
#25
1,053
↑ 0.48%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#35
The eighteenth smartest state in the United States is Ohio. The state has an average IQ of 101.8 and is one of the smarter states in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Oklahoma
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99.3
Ranked in the US
#35
Literacy Rate
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79.9%
Ranked in the US
#29
Numeracy Rate
help
69%
Ranked in the US
#32
951
↓ 8.73%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#50
The thirty-fifth smartest state in the U.S. is Oklahoma. The state has an average IQ of 99.3.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Oregon
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101.2
Ranked in the US
#23
Literacy Rate
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83.2%
Ranked in the US
#18
Numeracy Rate
help
75.3%
Ranked in the US
#16
1,143
↑ 2.14%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#20
The twenty-third smartest state in the United States is Oregon. The state has an average IQ of 101.2.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Pennsylvania
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101.5
Ranked in the US
#21
Literacy Rate
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81.9%
Ranked in the US
#24
Numeracy Rate
help
71.3%
Ranked in the US
#24
1,091
↓ 2.85%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#28
The twenty-first smartest state in the U.S is Pennsylvania. The state has an average IQ of 101.5.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Rhode Island
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99.5
Ranked in the US
#33
Literacy Rate
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79.6%
Ranked in the US
#32
Numeracy Rate
help
70.4%
Ranked in the US
#28
971
↓ 3.96%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#47
The thirty-third smartest state in the United States is Rhode Island. The state has an average IQ of 99.5.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
South Carolina
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98.4
Ranked in the US
#39
Literacy Rate
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77.6%
Ranked in the US
#39
Numeracy Rate
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65%
Ranked in the US
#42
1,030
↓ 0.58%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#37
The thirty-ninth smartest state in the U.S. is South Carolina. The state has an average IQ of 98.4.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
South Dakota
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102.8
Ranked in the US
#13
Literacy Rate
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85.1%
Ranked in the US
#11
Numeracy Rate
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76.3%
Ranked in the US
#13
1,219
↑ 0.33%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#9
The thirteenth smartest state in the United States is South Dakota. The state has an average IQ of 102.8.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Tennessee
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97.7
Ranked in the US
#41
Literacy Rate
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78.3%
Ranked in the US
#36
Numeracy Rate
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66%
Ranked in the US
#39
1,200
↓ 1.64%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#13
The forty-first smartest state in the U.S. is Tennessee. The state has an average IQ of 97.7 and is one of the least smart states in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Texas
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100
Ranked in the US
#30
Literacy Rate
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71.8%
Ranked in the US
#49
Numeracy Rate
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61.5%
Ranked in the US
#48
1,001
↓ 0.2%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#41
The thirtieth smartest state in the United States is Texas. The state has an average IQ of 100.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Utah
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101.1
Ranked in the US
#24
Literacy Rate
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85.5%
Ranked in the US
#9
Numeracy Rate
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77.7%
Ranked in the US
#6
1,233
↓ 0.4%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#4
The twenty-fourth smartest state in the U.S. is Utah. The state has an average IQ of 101.1.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Vermont
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103.8
Ranked in the US
#4
Literacy Rate
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87.2%
Ranked in the US
#3
Numeracy Rate
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79%
Ranked in the US
#5
1,095
↓ 2.58%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#27
The fourth smartest state in the United States is Vermont. The state has an average IQ of 103.8 and is one of the smartest states in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Virginia
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101.9
Ranked in the US
#16
Literacy Rate
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81.2%
Ranked in the US
#26
Numeracy Rate
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71.6%
Ranked in the US
#23
1,124
↓ 2.35%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#23
The sixteenth smartest state in the U.S. is Virginia. The state has an average IQ of 101.9.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Washington
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101.9
Ranked in the US
#17
Literacy Rate
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83.9%
Ranked in the US
#14
Numeracy Rate
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76.5%
Ranked in the US
#12
1,096
↑ 2.24%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#26
The seventeenth smartest state in the United States is Washington. The state has an average IQ of 101.9.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
West Virginia
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98.7
Ranked in the US
#37
Literacy Rate
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79.1%
Ranked in the US
#34
Numeracy Rate
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67.2%
Ranked in the US
#34
938
↓ 6.85%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#51
The thirty-seventh smartest state in the U.S. is West Virginia. The state has an average IQ of 98.7 and is one of the least smart states in the country.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Wisconsin
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102.9
Ranked in the US
#10
Literacy Rate
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84.7%
Ranked in the US
#12
Numeracy Rate
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75.8%
Ranked in the US
#14
1,252
↑ 3.05%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#1
The tenth smartest state in the United States. The state has an average IQ of 102.9.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
Wyoming
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102.4
Ranked in the US
#14
Literacy Rate
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86.4%
Ranked in the US
#8
Numeracy Rate
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77.5%
Ranked in the US
#7
1,244
↑ 0.89%
Vs 2021
Ranked in the US
#2
The fourteenth smartest state in the U.S. is Wyoming. The state has an average IQ of 102.4.
Average IQ
Literacy Rate
Numeracy Rate
Average SAT Score
FAQs
What is the smartest state ?
The smartest state is Massachusetts, scoring an average IQ of 104.3.
What are the top 10 smartest states in the US ?
The 10 smartest states in the US are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, Minnesota, Maine, Montana, Iowa, Connecticut, and Wisconsin.
What is the dumbest state in the US ?
The dumbest state in the United States is Mississippi, with the lowest average IQ in the country, at 94.2.
As a seasoned expert in the field of intelligence testing, educational psychology, and state-level educational disparities, I can confidently shed light on the multifaceted factors influencing state average IQ scores in the United States. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and a deep understanding of the intricate interplay between socioeconomic, environmental, and educational variables affecting cognitive abilities.
Factors Influencing State Average IQ:
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Economic Resources:
- States with higher economic resources tend to exhibit higher average IQ scores. This is evident in the case of Massachusetts, which boasts the highest average IQ in the nation (104.3). The state's robust economy contributes to enhanced educational opportunities and overall well-being.
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Educational Opportunities:
- The level of education within a state is a critical determinant of average IQ. Massachusetts, home to prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT, invests heavily in education, leading to a well-educated population with a heightened cognitive ability.
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Healthcare Access:
- Access to healthcare correlates with IQ scores, as healthier individuals often perform better on intelligence tests. This is a contributing factor to the intelligence disparities observed between states, emphasizing the importance of health services in cognitive development.
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Environmental Factors:
- Environmental quality, including air pollution levels, plays a role in cognitive functioning. States with lower environmental pollutants, like Vermont and North Dakota, tend to exhibit higher average IQ scores.
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Nutrition and Quality of Life:
- Nutrition and overall quality of life impact cognitive development. States with a focus on these aspects, such as Minnesota and Maine, demonstrate higher average IQs.
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Socio-Cultural Influences:
- Socio-cultural factors, including the prevalence of advanced educational courses, contribute to state IQ variations. States like Connecticut and New Hampshire, with high median income levels, often have a more educated populace, resulting in higher collective IQs.
Key Findings from State IQ Data:
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Smartest States:
- The smartest states in the U.S. include Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, and Minnesota. Massachusetts, with an average IQ of 104.3, stands out as the intellectual leader.
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Massachusetts:
- Massachusetts' high IQ is attributed to its world-renowned education system, investment in research institutions, and a culture of innovation. The presence of top-tier universities fosters intellectual development and innovation.
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Alabama (Lowest IQ):
- Alabama, with an average IQ of 95.7, represents one of the states with lower cognitive scores. Factors such as literacy rate, numeracy rate, and SAT scores contribute to its lower standing.
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Alaska and Arizona:
- Alaska and Arizona, with average IQs of 99 and 97.4, respectively, showcase the diversity in cognitive performance across states.
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Colorado:
- Colorado, ranked twentieth with an average IQ of 101.6, exemplifies the intricate relationship between education, literacy, and cognitive abilities.
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Educational Disparities:
- States like Connecticut, with an average IQ of 103.1, demonstrate the positive correlation between high education levels and intelligence.
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West Virginia (Lowest SAT Score):
- West Virginia, with an average SAT score of 938, underscores the impact of educational challenges on overall cognitive performance.
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Wisconsin (Highest SAT Score):
- Wisconsin, with an average SAT score of 1,252, stands out as a state with a strong educational system, contributing to its high average IQ.
In conclusion, the intricacies of state-level intelligence disparities are influenced by a myriad of factors, encompassing economic, educational, healthcare, environmental, and socio-cultural dimensions. The data presented underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address educational disparities and promote cognitive development on a state-by-state basis.