Dumbest States

Map

Table

Introduction

Some states are dumber than others due to a variety of factors, such as the quality of education provided and the resources available to students. Poor quality educational systems can lead to a lack of access to proper educational opportunities and material, leading to an overall lower level of knowledge among the population. Additionally, states with lower median incomes tend to have fewer resources available for students, making it difficult for them to compete on the same level as their peers in wealthier areas. Moreover, systemic issues like racial disparities in educational attainment can hinder some states from achieving higher levels of academic success. In addition, regional differences in economic opportunity and infrastructure can mean that some states experience slower growth compared to others. Ultimately, these disparities are what lead some states to be less intelligent, in terms of their average IQ ranking, than others.

#StateAverage IQLiteracy RateNumeracy RateAverage SAT Score
1Mississippi94.272%56.6%1,226
2Louisiana95.372.9%58.4%1,171
3California95.571.6%64%1,115
4Hawaii95.684.1%76.6%1,124
5Alabama95.776.1%62.6%1,146
6New Mexico95.770.9%60.5%976
7Nevada96.574.7%63.5%1,172
8Arizona97.476.6%66.8%1,159
9Arkansas97.576.9%64.3%1,191
10Tennessee97.778.3%66%1,200
11Georgia9876.4%63.4%1,060
12Florida98.476.3%65.2%983
13South Carolina98.477.6%65%1,030
14West Virginia98.779.1%67.2%938
15Alaska9987.3%79.2%1,110
16Oklahoma99.379.9%69%951
17Kentucky99.478.1%66.3%1,219
18Rhode Island99.579.6%70.4%971
19Maryland99.780%69.8%1,075
20Illinois99.979.6%69.9%981
21Texas10071.8%61.5%1,001
22North Carolina100.278.7%67.1%1,136
23Delaware100.479.7%68.8%968
24Michigan100.582.4%72%1,000
25New York100.775.6%65.3%1,067
26Missouri10181.1%70.9%1,200
27Utah101.185.5%77.7%1,233
28Oregon101.283.2%75.3%1,143
29Idaho101.483.6%74.3%968
30Pennsylvania101.581.9%71.3%1,091
31Colorado101.683.4%75.2%1,021
32Indiana101.781.3%70.5%1,073
33Ohio101.882.3%71.2%1,053
34Virginia101.981.2%71.6%1,124
35Washington101.983.9%76.5%1,096
36Nebraska102.383.6%75.7%1,222
37Wyoming102.486.4%77.5%1,244
38Kansas102.883.1%75%1,238
39New Jersey102.879.3%69.9%1,079
40South Dakota102.885.1%76.3%1,219
41Wisconsin102.984.7%75.8%1,252
42Connecticut103.182.8%74%1,025
43Iowa103.285.1%77%1,196
44Maine103.486.6%77.1%1,081
45Montana103.486.9%77.3%1,206
46Minnesota103.786.9%79.6%1,225
47North Dakota103.886.6%79%1,212
48Vermont103.887.2%79%1,095
49New Hampshire104.288.5%80.9%1,050
50Massachusetts104.382.7%74.9%1,029

Dumbest States

The dumbest states are Mississippi, Louisiana, California, Hawaii, Alabama, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Based on IQ scores, Mississippi is the dumbest state in the US, with an average IQ of 94.2. Louisiana is considered to be the second dumbest state with an average IQ of 95.3. Coming in third place in the list of dumbest states is California with an IQ of 95.5. The fourth dumbest state is Hawaii, which has an average IQ of 95.6. Alabama and New Mexico are the fifth and sixth dumbest states, both with an average IQ score of 95.7. Closely behind is Nevada, ranked seventh dumbest state, with an average IQ of 96.5. The eighth dumbest state in the US is Arizona with an average IQ of 97.4. Arkansas has an IQ of 97.5, which makes it the ninth dumbest state. Finally, Tennessee rounds off the list of the ten dumbest states in the US, as the tenth dumbest state in the US, with an average IQ of 97.7.

Dumbest States in the US

1. Mississippi – 94.2
2. Louisiana – 95.3
3. California – 95.5
4. Hawaii – 95.6
5. Alabama – 95.7
6. New Mexico – 95.7
7. Nevada – 96.5
8. Arizona – 97.4
9. Arkansas – 97.5
10. Tennessee – 97.7

Dumbest State in America

Mississippi has long been considered the dumbest state in America due to its consistent low rankings in educational attainment, as reflected by its 94.2 average IQ score. Mississippi has one of the lowest college degree attainment rates in the country, with only 8% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Furthermore, Mississippi was found to have the lowest overall grade level proficiency in reading and mathematics. The results of this assessment showed that only 25% of eighth graders tested proficient or better in math, while only 41% of fourth graders tested proficient or better in reading when compared to other states. Mississippi has also been reported to have one of highest rates of people living below poverty line and is a state with some of fewest resources for its citizens to access education and training opportunities needed to move up the socio-economic ladder.

Average IQ by State

Alabama

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95.7

Ranked in the US

#5

Literacy Rate

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76.1%

Ranked in the US

#44

Numeracy Rate

help

62.6%

Ranked in the US

#47

1,146

↓ 1.12%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#19

The second dumbest state in the U.S. is Alabama. The state has an average IQ of 95.7 which is one of the lowest IQs in the United States. For many years, Alabama’s average IQ has been slightly lower than the national average, with a few regional variations depending on which survey was used. According to a 2020 study conducted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, regional breakdowns showed that northern Alabama had a higher IQ on average than southern Alabama, which indicates that there is a slight discrepancy between regions within the state as well.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Alaska

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Ranked in the US

#15

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 fifteenth dumbest state in the country is Alaska. The state has an average IQ of 99.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Arizona

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97.4

Ranked in the US

#8

Literacy Rate

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76.6%

Ranked in the US

#41

Numeracy Rate

help

66.8%

Ranked in the US

#36

1,159

↓ 1.86%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#18

The eighth dumbest state in the United States is Arizona. The state has an average IQ of 97.4, and is among the lowest average IQs in the United States.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Arkansas

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97.5

Ranked in the US

#9

Literacy Rate

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76.9%

Ranked in the US

#40

Numeracy Rate

help

64.3%

Ranked in the US

#43

1,191

↓ 0.25%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#15

The ninth dumbest state in the U.S. Arkansas. The state has an average IQ of 97.5 and it is one of the lowest average IQs in the United States. This figure is mainly attributed to the higher population of rural areas, which tend to have lower educational attainment and fewer resources devoted to intellectual development, and to the fact that the educational gaps between its wealthy and poor citizens are among the largest in the nation. However, Arkansas still boasts a relatively high number of prestigious universities that attract students from all over the country for their top-tier academic programs.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

California

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95.5

Ranked in the US

#3

Literacy Rate

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71.6%

Ranked in the US

#50

Numeracy Rate

help

64%

Ranked in the US

#44

1,115

↑ 5.49%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#24

The third dumbest state in the country is California. The state has an average IQ of 95.4. California is home to a number of universities that attract students from all over the world, including Stanford University and UC Berkeley which are renowned for their academic excellence. The high-tech industry is also famous for bringing bright minds to California, as many computer scientists and engineers have moved to the state to pursue a career in this field. Despite these impressive academic institutions, the state still has one of the lowest average IQs in the country.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Colorado

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101.6

Ranked in the US

#31

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 twenty-sixth dumbest state in the United States 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

#42

Literacy Rate

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82.8%

Ranked in the US

#20

Numeracy Rate

help

74%

Ranked in the US

#21

1,025

↓ 4.38%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#39

The forty-second dumbest state in the U.S. is Connecticut. The state has an average IQ of 103.1, one of the best average IQs in the United States.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Delaware

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100.4

Ranked in the US

#23

Literacy Rate

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79.7%

Ranked in the US

#30

Numeracy Rate

help

68.8%

Ranked in the US

#33

968

↓ 1.63%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#48

The twenty-first dumbest state in the United States 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

#12

Literacy Rate

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76.3%

Ranked in the US

#43

Numeracy Rate

help

65.2%

Ranked in the US

#41

983

↓ 1.01%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#44

The eleventh dumbest state in the country is Florida. The state has an average IQ of 98.4, one of the lower average IQs in the United States. Although Florida has multiple large and diverse cities that offer equal access to education, some areas may not have the same benefits as other parts of the state.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Georgia

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Ranked in the US

#11

Literacy Rate

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76.4%

Ranked in the US

#42

Numeracy Rate

help

63.4%

Ranked in the US

#46

1,060

↓ 2.39%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#34

The twelve dumbest state in the U.S. is Georgia. The state has an average IQ of 98, ranking among the lowest average IQs in the United States. While the state has shown significant increases in IQ over the past few decades, its range of scores still shows variation across different regions and demographics. Research from 2017 indicates that certain groups, including genders, show higher or lower IQs than the state average; for example, males are more likely to have a higher IQ than females in the state. Studies also suggest that people who live in rural areas tend to have a slightly lower IQ than people living in urban areas in Georgia.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Hawaii

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95.6

Ranked in the US

#4

Literacy Rate

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84.1%

Ranked in the US

#13

Numeracy Rate

help

76.6%

Ranked in the US

#11

1,124

↓ 1.75%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#22

The fourth dumbest state in the country is Hawaii. The state has an average IQ of 95.6. However, some areas of the state are reported to have an above-average IQ score. For example, Honolulu County has an average IQ of 105, while Kauai County has an IQ of 102. Studies have also found that Hawaiian children generally outperform other states in reading and math tests. But despite this, the overall average IQ of Hawaii is still one of the lowest in the U.S.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Idaho

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101.4

Ranked in the US

#29

Literacy Rate

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83.6%

Ranked in the US

#15

Numeracy Rate

help

74.3%

Ranked in the US

#20

968

↓ 1.73%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#49

The twenty-seventh dumbest 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

#20

Literacy Rate

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79.6%

Ranked in the US

#31

Numeracy Rate

help

69.9%

Ranked in the US

#29

981

↓ 2.58%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#45

The sixteenth dumbest state in the country 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

#32

Literacy Rate

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81.3%

Ranked in the US

#25

Numeracy Rate

help

70.5%

Ranked in the US

#27

1,073

↓ 2.01%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#32

The twenty-eighth dumbest state in the United States 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

#43

Literacy Rate

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85.1%

Ranked in the US

#10

Numeracy Rate

help

77%

Ranked in the US

#10

1,196

↓ 3.78%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#14

The forty-third dumbest state in the U.S. is Iowa. The state has an average IQ of 103.2 and is one of the highest average IQs in the United States. Iowa has some of the highest school performance rankings in the country with a high percentage of students attending college and university. According to recent studies, Iowa children are among the nation's best at reading and math due to their high IQs and excellent educational system.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Kansas

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102.8

Ranked in the US

#38

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 average IQ in Kansas is 102.8 and ranks thirty-sixth.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Kentucky

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99.4

Ranked in the US

#17

Literacy Rate

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78.1%

Ranked in the US

#37

Numeracy Rate

help

66.3%

Ranked in the US

#37

1,219

↑ 0.99%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#8

The seventeenth dumbest state in the country is Kentucky. The state has an average IQ of 99.4. The Kentucky Department of Education is actively working to improve the educational system within the state by providing resources, such as after-school enrichment programs and professional development opportunities, to support educators and ensure that all students have access to quality education. Additionally, there are several initiatives underway designed to enhance the intellectual capacity of Kentucky citizens by providing science, technology engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related activities for both students and adults.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Louisiana

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95.3

Ranked in the US

#2

Literacy Rate

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72.9%

Ranked in the US

#47

Numeracy Rate

help

58.4%

Ranked in the US

#50

1,171

↓ 1.43%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#17

The fifth dumbest state in the United States is Louisiana. The state has an average IQ of 95.3.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Maine

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103.4

Ranked in the US

#44

Literacy Rate

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86.6%

Ranked in the US

#6

Numeracy Rate

help

77.1%

Ranked in the US

#9

1,081

↓ 1.64%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#29

The forty-fourth dumbest state in the U.S. is Maine. The state has an average IQ of 103.4, one of the highest average IQs in the United States.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Maryland

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99.7

Ranked in the US

#19

Literacy Rate

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80%

Ranked in the US

#28

Numeracy Rate

help

69.8%

Ranked in the US

#31

1,075

↑ 0.19%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#31

The eighteenth dumbest state in the country 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

#50

Literacy Rate

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82.7%

Ranked in the US

#21

Numeracy Rate

help

74.9%

Ranked in the US

#19

1,029

↓ 13.09%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#38

The fiftieth dumbest state in the United States is Massachusetts. The state has one of the best average IQs in the nation at 104.3. Among all 50 states, Massachusetts consistently ranks in or near the top 10 when it comes to educational attainment and cognitive abilities. The high levels of education and cognitive abilities are attributed to several factors, including higher income levels among residents, a strong focus on education at both public and private institutions across the state, and an emphasis on research-based innovation. In addition, Massachusetts residents have access to a wide range of resources that can help them develop their academic skills and stay abreast of new developments in their field. As such, Massachusetts offers its citizens many opportunities to broaden their knowledge base and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to intellectual pursuits.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Michigan

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100.5

Ranked in the US

#24

Literacy Rate

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82.4%

Ranked in the US

#22

Numeracy Rate

help

72%

Ranked in the US

#22

1,000

↓ 3.01%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#42

The twenty-second dumbest state in the U.S. is Michigan. The state has an average IQ of 100.5. But while Michigan has a similar average IQ to the national average, some areas in Michigan have higher scores than others. For example, Kent County's average IQ is 99, and Oakland County's average IQ is 103. Additionally, the highest scoring area in Michigan for average IQ is Washtenaw County with an impressive 107 score.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Minnesota

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103.7

Ranked in the US

#46

Literacy Rate

help

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 forty-fifth dumbest state in the United States is Minnesota. The state has an average IQ of 103.7, which is one of the highest average IQs in the United States.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Mississippi

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94.2

Ranked in the US

#1

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 dumbest state in the U.S. is Mississippi. The state has an average IQ of 94.2 and has the lowest average IQ in the United States. The low average IQ score in Mississippi can be attributed to a number of factors such as inadequate access to quality education and healthcare, high levels of poverty and unemployment, and a lack of resources for learning opportunities. Many children in Mississippi come from backgrounds where there have been generations of underinvestment in education and infrastructure, resulting in poorer educational outcomes for many students.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Missouri

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101

Ranked in the US

#26

Literacy Rate

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81.1%

Ranked in the US

#27

Numeracy Rate

help

70.9%

Ranked in the US

#26

1,200

↓ 1.56%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#12

The twenty-ninth dumbest state in the country is Missouri. The state has an average IQ of 101.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Montana

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103.4

Ranked in the US

#45

Literacy Rate

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86.9%

Ranked in the US

#5

Numeracy Rate

help

77.3%

Ranked in the US

#8

1,206

↓ 1.55%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#11

The forty-sixth dumbest state in the United States is Montana. The state has an average IQ of 103.4, one of the highest average IQs in the country.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Nebraska

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102.3

Ranked in the US

#36

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 thirty-seventh dumbest state in the U.S. is Nebraska. The state has an average IQ of 102.3, one of the higher average IQs in the United States.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Nevada

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96.5

Ranked in the US

#7

Literacy Rate

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74.7%

Ranked in the US

#46

Numeracy Rate

help

63.5%

Ranked in the US

#45

1,172

↓ 1.92%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#16

The seventh dumbest state in the country is Nevada. The state has an average IQ of 96.5, ranking and has one of the lowest average IQs in the United States. The highest IQs can be found in the metropolitan areas of Reno and Las Vegas.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

New Hampshire

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104.2

Ranked in the US

#49

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 forty-ninth dumbest state in the U.S. is New Hampshire. The state has an average IQ of 104.2, one of the highest average IQs in the United States.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

New Jersey

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102.8

Ranked in the US

#39

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 thirty-eighth dumbest state in the country is New Jersey. The state has an average IQ of 102.8, one of the higher average IQs in the United States. This is due to the high quality of life and education in the state, with a focus on learning and development. It has been reported that New Jersey schools generally rank among some of the best in the country, with students performing well on standardized tests such as SAT and ACT.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

New Mexico

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95.7

Ranked in the US

#6

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 sixth dumbest state in the United States is New Mexico. The state has an average IQ of 95.7 and has one of the lowest average IQs in the country.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

New York

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100.7

Ranked in the US

#25

Literacy Rate

help

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-third dumbest 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

#22

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-fourth dumbest 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

#47

Literacy Rate

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86.6%

Ranked in the US

#7

Numeracy Rate

help

79%

Ranked in the US

#4

1,212

↓ 3.66%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#10

The forty-seventh dumbest state in the country is North Dakota. The state has an average IQ of 103.8, one of the highest average IQs in the United States.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Ohio

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101.8

Ranked in the US

#33

Literacy Rate

help

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 thirtieth dumbest state in the U.S. is Ohio. The state has an average IQ of 101.8. As a whole, Ohioans have access to more education and resources than many other states, which could explain why they generally have higher IQs than other parts of the country.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Oklahoma

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99.3

Ranked in the US

#16

Literacy Rate

help

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 nineteenth dumbest state in the country is Oklahoma. The state has an average IQ of 99.3. Researchers believe that this state's lower IQ numbers can be at least partially attributed to poor healthcare access for certain demographics such as low-income families or those in rural areas.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Oregon

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101.2

Ranked in the US

#28

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 thirty-first dumbest state in the United States is Oregan. The state has an average IQ of 101.2. The state’s tendency to perform well on standardized intelligence tests reflects the population's intellectual aptitude and resourcefulness. Oregonians tend to be highly knowledgeable and well-informed on a wide range of topics due to their high levels of education and experience with complex problem-solving tasks.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Pennsylvania

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101.5

Ranked in the US

#30

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 thirty-second dumbest 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

#18

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 twentieth dumbest state in the country 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

#13

Literacy Rate

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77.6%

Ranked in the US

#39

Numeracy Rate

help

65%

Ranked in the US

#42

1,030

↓ 0.58%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#37

The thirteenth dumbest state in the U.S. is South Carolina. The state has an average IQ of 98.4, one of the lower average IQs in the United States.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

South Dakota

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102.8

Ranked in the US

#40

Literacy Rate

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85.1%

Ranked in the US

#11

Numeracy Rate

help

76.3%

Ranked in the US

#13

1,219

↑ 0.33%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#9

The thirty-ninth dumbest state in the country is South Dakota. The state has an average IQ of 102.8, one of the higher average IQs in the United States.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Tennessee

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97.7

Ranked in the US

#10

Literacy Rate

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78.3%

Ranked in the US

#36

Numeracy Rate

help

66%

Ranked in the US

#39

1,200

↓ 1.64%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#13

The tenth dumbest state in the country is Tennessee. The state has an average IQ of 97.7, one of the lower average IQs in the United States. Tennessee's educational system has often been criticized for its lack of funding and support for students, which has led to poorer academic performance among students across the state. Poverty levels in some parts of Tennessee are significantly higher than in other areas in the country, and this can also contribute to a lower average IQ in these regions as well.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Texas

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100

Ranked in the US

#21

Literacy Rate

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71.8%

Ranked in the US

#49

Numeracy Rate

help

61.5%

Ranked in the US

#48

1,001

↓ 0.2%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#41

The twenty-fifth dumbest state in the United States is Texas. The state has an average IQ of 100. Texas has seen a steady upward trend in terms of IQ across its population over the past decade, helped by higher levels of education and access to technology.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Utah

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101.1

Ranked in the US

#27

Literacy Rate

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85.5%

Ranked in the US

#9

Numeracy Rate

help

77.7%

Ranked in the US

#6

1,233

↓ 0.4%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#4

The thirty-third dumbest 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

#48

Literacy Rate

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87.2%

Ranked in the US

#3

Numeracy Rate

help

79%

Ranked in the US

#5

1,095

↓ 2.58%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#27

The forty-eighth dumbest state in the United States is Vermont. The state has an average IQ of 103.8, one of the highest average IQs in the country.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Virginia

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101.9

Ranked in the US

#34

Literacy Rate

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81.2%

Ranked in the US

#26

Numeracy Rate

help

71.6%

Ranked in the US

#23

1,124

↓ 2.35%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#23

The thirty-fourth dumbest state in the country is Virginia. The state has an average IQ of 101.9. The state's educational system is widely considered to be superior and consistently produces very high-performing students in math and science. Many universities located in both urban and rural areas have highly sought-after programs that offer excellent academic opportunities for residents of different backgrounds. These factors all contribute to the overall elevated intelligence level found within the state.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Washington

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101.9

Ranked in the US

#35

Literacy Rate

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83.9%

Ranked in the US

#14

Numeracy Rate

help

76.5%

Ranked in the US

#12

1,096

↑ 2.24%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#26

The thirty-fifth dumbest state in the U.S. 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

#14

Literacy Rate

help

79.1%

Ranked in the US

#34

Numeracy Rate

help

67.2%

Ranked in the US

#34

938

↓ 6.85%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#51

The fourteenth dumbest state in the United States is West Virginia. The state has an average IQ of 98.7, one of the lower average IQs in the U.S.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Wisconsin

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102.9

Ranked in the US

#41

Literacy Rate

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84.7%

Ranked in the US

#12

Numeracy Rate

help

75.8%

Ranked in the US

#14

1,252

↑ 3.05%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#1

The fortieth dumbest state in the United States is Wisconsin.The state has an average IQ of 102.9, one of the higher average IQs in the country. Men tend to have higher overall IQ scores than women in Wisconsin, with an average score of 108 for men compared to 103 for women. Generally speaking, the IQ scores in Wisconsin tend to be higher than those found in other Midwest states. Children from Wisconsin typically have higher IQs than their counterparts elsewhere around the country, likely due to the state's excellent education system and resources.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

Wyoming

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102.4

Ranked in the US

#37

Literacy Rate

help

86.4%

Ranked in the US

#8

Numeracy Rate

help

77.5%

Ranked in the US

#7

1,244

↑ 0.89%

Vs 2021

Ranked in the US

#2

The forty-first dumbest state in the U.S. is Wyoming. The state has an average IQ of 102.4, one of the higher average IQs in the United States.

Average IQ

Literacy Rate

Numeracy Rate

Average SAT Score

FAQs

What is the dumbest state in America ?

The dumbest state in America is Mississippi, i.e. the state with the lowest average IQ, with an IQ score of 94.2.

What are the 10 dumbest states ?

The 10 dumbest states are Mississippi, Louisiana, California, Hawaii, Alabama, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Arkansas, and Tennessee.

What is the smartest state in the US ?

The smartest state in the US is Massachusetts, with an average IQ score of 104.3.

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