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% | 1,184 |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 104.2 | 88.5% | 80.9% | 1,065 |
| 3 | North Dakota | 103.8 | 86.6% | 79% | 1,258 |
| 4 | Vermont | 103.8 | 87.2% | 79% | 1,124 |
| 5 | Minnesota | 103.7 | 86.9% | 79.6% | 1,263 |
| 6 | Maine | 103.4 | 86.6% | 77.1% | 1,099 |
| 7 | Montana | 103.4 | 86.9% | 77.3% | 1,225 |
| 8 | Iowa | 103.2 | 85.1% | 77% | 1,243 |
| 9 | Connecticut | 103.1 | 82.8% | 74% | 1,072 |
| 10 | Wisconsin | 102.9 | 84.7% | 75.8% | 1,215 |
| 11 | Kansas | 102.8 | 83.1% | 75% | 1,219 |
| 12 | New Jersey | 102.8 | 79.3% | 69.9% | 1,125 |
| 13 | South Dakota | 102.8 | 85.1% | 76.3% | 1,215 |
| 14 | Wyoming | 102.4 | 86.4% | 77.5% | 1,233 |
| 15 | Nebraska | 102.3 | 83.6% | 75.7% | 1,246 |
| 16 | Virginia | 101.9 | 81.2% | 71.6% | 1,151 |
| 17 | Washington | 101.9 | 83.9% | 76.5% | 1,072 |
| 18 | Ohio | 101.8 | 82.3% | 71.2% | 1,048 |
| 19 | Indiana | 101.7 | 81.3% | 70.5% | 1,095 |
| 20 | Colorado | 101.6 | 83.4% | 75.2% | 1,072 |
| 21 | Pennsylvania | 101.5 | 81.9% | 71.3% | 1,123 |
| 22 | Idaho | 101.4 | 83.6% | 74.3% | 985 |
| 23 | Oregon | 101.2 | 83.2% | 75.3% | 1,119 |
| 24 | Utah | 101.1 | 85.5% | 77.7% | 1,238 |
| 25 | Missouri | 101 | 81.1% | 70.9% | 1,219 |
| 26 | New York | 100.7 | 75.6% | 65.3% | 1,057 |
| 27 | Michigan | 100.5 | 82.4% | 72% | 1,031 |
| 28 | Delaware | 100.4 | 79.7% | 68.8% | 984 |
| 29 | North Carolina | 100.2 | 78.7% | 67.1% | 1,150 |
| 30 | Texas | 100 | 71.8% | 61.5% | 1,003 |
| 31 | Illinois | 99.9 | 79.6% | 69.9% | 1,007 |
| 32 | Maryland | 99.7 | 80% | 69.8% | 1,073 |
| 33 | Rhode Island | 99.5 | 79.6% | 70.4% | 1,011 |
| 34 | Kentucky | 99.4 | 78.1% | 66.3% | 1,207 |
| 35 | Oklahoma | 99.3 | 79.9% | 69% | 1,042 |
| 36 | Alaska | 99 | 87.3% | 79.2% | 1,119 |
| 37 | West Virginia | 98.7 | 79.1% | 67.2% | 1,007 |
| 38 | Florida | 98.4 | 76.3% | 65.2% | 993 |
| 39 | South Carolina | 98.4 | 77.6% | 65% | 1,036 |
| 40 | Georgia | 98 | 76.4% | 63.4% | 1,086 |
| 41 | Tennessee | 97.7 | 78.3% | 66% | 1,220 |
| 42 | Arkansas | 97.5 | 76.9% | 64.3% | 1,194 |
| 43 | Arizona | 97.4 | 76.6% | 66.8% | 1,181 |
| 44 | Nevada | 96.5 | 74.7% | 63.5% | 1,195 |
| 45 | Alabama | 95.7 | 76.1% | 62.6% | 1,159 |
| 46 | New Mexico | 95.7 | 70.9% | 60.5% | 996 |
| 47 | Hawaii | 95.6 | 84.1% | 76.6% | 1,144 |
| 48 | California | 95.5 | 71.6% | 64% | 1,057 |
| 49 | Louisiana | 95.3 | 72.9% | 58.4% | 1,188 |
| 50 | Mississippi | 94.2 | 72% | 56.6% | 1,202 |
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
95.7
Ranked in the US
#45
Literacy Rate
76.1%
Ranked in the US
#44
Numeracy Rate
62.6%
Ranked in the US
#47
1,159
Ranked in the US
#20
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.
Alaska
Ranked in the US
#36
Literacy Rate
87.3%
Ranked in the US
#2
Numeracy Rate
79.2%
Ranked in the US
#3
1,119
Ranked in the US
#27
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.
Arizona
97.4
Ranked in the US
#43
Literacy Rate
76.6%
Ranked in the US
#41
Numeracy Rate
66.8%
Ranked in the US
#36
1,181
Ranked in the US
#19
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.
Arkansas
97.5
Ranked in the US
#42
Literacy Rate
76.9%
Ranked in the US
#40
Numeracy Rate
64.3%
Ranked in the US
#43
1,194
Ranked in the US
#16
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.
California
95.5
Ranked in the US
#48
Literacy Rate
71.6%
Ranked in the US
#50
Numeracy Rate
64%
Ranked in the US
#44
1,057
Ranked in the US
#37
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.
Colorado
101.6
Ranked in the US
#20
Literacy Rate
83.4%
Ranked in the US
#17
Numeracy Rate
75.2%
Ranked in the US
#17
1,072
Ranked in the US
#33
The twentieth smartest state in the U.S. is Colorado. The state has an average IQ of 101.6.
Connecticut
103.1
Ranked in the US
#9
Literacy Rate
82.8%
Ranked in the US
#20
Numeracy Rate
74%
Ranked in the US
#21
1,072
Ranked in the US
#34
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.
Delaware
100.4
Ranked in the US
#28
Literacy Rate
79.7%
Ranked in the US
#30
Numeracy Rate
68.8%
Ranked in the US
#33
Ranked in the US
#51
The twenty-eighth smartest state in the U.S. is Delaware. The state has an average IQ of 100.4.
Florida
98.4
Ranked in the US
#38
Literacy Rate
76.3%
Ranked in the US
#43
Numeracy Rate
65.2%
Ranked in the US
#41
Ranked in the US
#48
The thirty-eighth smartest state in the United States is Florida. The state has an average IQ of 98.4.
Georgia
Ranked in the US
#40
Literacy Rate
76.4%
Ranked in the US
#42
Numeracy Rate
63.4%
Ranked in the US
#46
1,086
Ranked in the US
#31
The fortieth smartest state in the U.S. is Georgia. The state has an average IQ of 98.
Hawaii
95.6
Ranked in the US
#47
Literacy Rate
84.1%
Ranked in the US
#13
Numeracy Rate
76.6%
Ranked in the US
#11
1,144
Ranked in the US
#23
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.
Idaho
101.4
Ranked in the US
#22
Literacy Rate
83.6%
Ranked in the US
#15
Numeracy Rate
74.3%
Ranked in the US
#20
Ranked in the US
#50
The twenty-second smartest state in the U.S. is Idaho. The state has an average IQ of 101.4.
Illinois
99.9
Ranked in the US
#31
Literacy Rate
79.6%
Ranked in the US
#31
Numeracy Rate
69.9%
Ranked in the US
#29
1,007
Ranked in the US
#44
The thirty-first smartest state in the United States is Illinois. The state has an average IQ of 99.9.
Indiana
101.7
Ranked in the US
#19
Literacy Rate
81.3%
Ranked in the US
#25
Numeracy Rate
70.5%
Ranked in the US
#27
1,095
Ranked in the US
#30
The nineteenth smartest state in the U.S. is Indiana. The state has an average IQ of 101.7.
Iowa
103.2
Ranked in the US
#8
Literacy Rate
85.1%
Ranked in the US
#10
Numeracy Rate
77%
Ranked in the US
#10
1,243
Ranked in the US
#4
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.
Kansas
102.8
Ranked in the US
#11
Literacy Rate
83.1%
Ranked in the US
#19
Numeracy Rate
75%
Ranked in the US
#18
1,219
Ranked in the US
#9
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.
Kentucky
99.4
Ranked in the US
#34
Literacy Rate
78.1%
Ranked in the US
#37
Numeracy Rate
66.3%
Ranked in the US
#37
1,207
Ranked in the US
#13
The thirty-fourth smartest state in the United States is Kentucky. The state has an average IQ of 99.4.
Louisiana
95.3
Ranked in the US
#49
Literacy Rate
72.9%
Ranked in the US
#47
Numeracy Rate
58.4%
Ranked in the US
#50
1,188
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.
Maine
103.4
Ranked in the US
#6
Literacy Rate
86.6%
Ranked in the US
#6
Numeracy Rate
77.1%
Ranked in the US
#9
1,099
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.
Maryland
99.7
Ranked in the US
#32
Literacy Rate
80%
Ranked in the US
#28
Numeracy Rate
69.8%
Ranked in the US
#31
1,073
Ranked in the US
#32
The thirty-second smartest state in the U.S. is Maryland. The state has an average IQ of 99.7.
Massachusetts
104.3
Ranked in the US
#1
Literacy Rate
82.7%
Ranked in the US
#21
Numeracy Rate
74.9%
Ranked in the US
#19
1,184
Ranked in the US
#18
The first smartest state in the U.S. is Massachusetts. The state has the highest average IQ in the country at 104.3.
Michigan
100.5
Ranked in the US
#27
Literacy Rate
82.4%
Ranked in the US
#22
Numeracy Rate
72%
Ranked in the US
#22
1,031
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.
Minnesota
103.7
Ranked in the US
#5
Literacy Rate
86.9%
Ranked in the US
#4
Numeracy Rate
79.6%
Ranked in the US
#2
1,263
Ranked in the US
#1
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.
Mississippi
94.2
Ranked in the US
#50
Literacy Rate
72%
Ranked in the US
#48
Numeracy Rate
56.6%
Ranked in the US
#51
1,202
Ranked in the US
#14
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.
Missouri
101
Ranked in the US
#25
Literacy Rate
81.1%
Ranked in the US
#27
Numeracy Rate
70.9%
Ranked in the US
#26
1,219
Ranked in the US
#10
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.
Montana
103.4
Ranked in the US
#7
Literacy Rate
86.9%
Ranked in the US
#5
Numeracy Rate
77.3%
Ranked in the US
#8
1,225
Ranked in the US
#7
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.
Nebraska
102.3
Ranked in the US
#15
Literacy Rate
83.6%
Ranked in the US
#16
Numeracy Rate
75.7%
Ranked in the US
#15
1,246
Ranked in the US
#3
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.
Nevada
96.5
Ranked in the US
#44
Literacy Rate
74.7%
Ranked in the US
#46
Numeracy Rate
63.5%
Ranked in the US
#45
1,195
Ranked in the US
#15
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.
New Hampshire
104.2
Ranked in the US
#2
Literacy Rate
88.5%
Ranked in the US
#1
Numeracy Rate
80.9%
Ranked in the US
#1
1,065
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.
New Jersey
102.8
Ranked in the US
#12
Literacy Rate
79.3%
Ranked in the US
#33
Numeracy Rate
69.9%
Ranked in the US
#30
1,125
Ranked in the US
#24
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.
New Mexico
95.7
Ranked in the US
#46
Literacy Rate
70.9%
Ranked in the US
#51
Numeracy Rate
60.5%
Ranked in the US
#49
Ranked in the US
#47
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.
New York
100.7
Ranked in the US
#26
Literacy Rate
75.6%
Ranked in the US
#45
Numeracy Rate
65.3%
Ranked in the US
#40
1,057
Ranked in the US
#38
The twenty-sixth smartest state in the U.S. is New York. The state has an average IQ of 100.7.
North Carolina
100.2
Ranked in the US
#29
Literacy Rate
78.7%
Ranked in the US
#35
Numeracy Rate
67.1%
Ranked in the US
#35
1,150
Ranked in the US
#22
The twenty-ninth smartest state in the United States is North Carolina. The state has an average IQ of 100.2.
North Dakota
103.8
Ranked in the US
#3
Literacy Rate
86.6%
Ranked in the US
#7
Numeracy Rate
79%
Ranked in the US
#4
1,258
Ranked in the US
#2
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.
Ohio
101.8
Ranked in the US
#18
Literacy Rate
82.3%
Ranked in the US
#23
Numeracy Rate
71.2%
Ranked in the US
#25
1,048
Ranked in the US
#39
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.
Oklahoma
99.3
Ranked in the US
#35
Literacy Rate
79.9%
Ranked in the US
#29
Numeracy Rate
69%
Ranked in the US
#32
1,042
Ranked in the US
#40
The thirty-fifth smartest state in the U.S. is Oklahoma. The state has an average IQ of 99.3.
Oregon
101.2
Ranked in the US
#23
Literacy Rate
83.2%
Ranked in the US
#18
Numeracy Rate
75.3%
Ranked in the US
#16
1,119
Ranked in the US
#28
The twenty-third smartest state in the United States is Oregon. The state has an average IQ of 101.2.
Pennsylvania
101.5
Ranked in the US
#21
Literacy Rate
81.9%
Ranked in the US
#24
Numeracy Rate
71.3%
Ranked in the US
#24
1,123
Ranked in the US
#26
The twenty-first smartest state in the U.S is Pennsylvania. The state has an average IQ of 101.5.
Rhode Island
99.5
Ranked in the US
#33
Literacy Rate
79.6%
Ranked in the US
#32
Numeracy Rate
70.4%
Ranked in the US
#28
1,011
Ranked in the US
#43
The thirty-third smartest state in the United States is Rhode Island. The state has an average IQ of 99.5.
South Carolina
98.4
Ranked in the US
#39
Literacy Rate
77.6%
Ranked in the US
#39
Numeracy Rate
65%
Ranked in the US
#42
1,036
Ranked in the US
#41
The thirty-ninth smartest state in the U.S. is South Carolina. The state has an average IQ of 98.4.
South Dakota
102.8
Ranked in the US
#13
Literacy Rate
85.1%
Ranked in the US
#11
Numeracy Rate
76.3%
Ranked in the US
#13
1,215
Ranked in the US
#11
The thirteenth smartest state in the United States is South Dakota. The state has an average IQ of 102.8.
Tennessee
97.7
Ranked in the US
#41
Literacy Rate
78.3%
Ranked in the US
#36
Numeracy Rate
66%
Ranked in the US
#39
1,220
Ranked in the US
#8
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.
Texas
100
Ranked in the US
#30
Literacy Rate
71.8%
Ranked in the US
#49
Numeracy Rate
61.5%
Ranked in the US
#48
1,003
Ranked in the US
#46
The thirtieth smartest state in the United States is Texas. The state has an average IQ of 100.
Utah
101.1
Ranked in the US
#24
Literacy Rate
85.5%
Ranked in the US
#9
Numeracy Rate
77.7%
Ranked in the US
#6
1,238
Ranked in the US
#5
The twenty-fourth smartest state in the U.S. is Utah. The state has an average IQ of 101.1.
Vermont
103.8
Ranked in the US
#4
Literacy Rate
87.2%
Ranked in the US
#3
Numeracy Rate
79%
Ranked in the US
#5
1,124
Ranked in the US
#25
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.
Virginia
101.9
Ranked in the US
#16
Literacy Rate
81.2%
Ranked in the US
#26
Numeracy Rate
71.6%
Ranked in the US
#23
1,151
Ranked in the US
#21
The sixteenth smartest state in the U.S. is Virginia. The state has an average IQ of 101.9.
Washington
101.9
Ranked in the US
#17
Literacy Rate
83.9%
Ranked in the US
#14
Numeracy Rate
76.5%
Ranked in the US
#12
1,072
Ranked in the US
#35
The seventeenth smartest state in the United States is Washington. The state has an average IQ of 101.9.
West Virginia
98.7
Ranked in the US
#37
Literacy Rate
79.1%
Ranked in the US
#34
Numeracy Rate
67.2%
Ranked in the US
#34
1,007
Ranked in the US
#45
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.
Wisconsin
102.9
Ranked in the US
#10
Literacy Rate
84.7%
Ranked in the US
#12
Numeracy Rate
75.8%
Ranked in the US
#14
1,215
Ranked in the US
#12
The tenth smartest state in the United States. The state has an average IQ of 102.9.
Wyoming
102.4
Ranked in the US
#14
Literacy Rate
86.4%
Ranked in the US
#8
Numeracy Rate
77.5%
Ranked in the US
#7
1,233
Ranked in the US
#6
The fourteenth smartest state in the U.S. is Wyoming. The state has an average IQ of 102.4.
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.