In a study of the average IQ by state, Massachusetts ranked as the highest in the nation. Aka, we’re wicked smaht here in the Spirit of America. The new study compared the most recent IQ data across four trusted sources to cross-check average IQ scores by state.
IQ scores and what they mean
Massachusetts has an average IQ of 104.3, according to the data published by North American Community Hub Statistics (NCHstats).
While Massachusetts has the highest average IQ by state in America, a score of 104.3 falls within the “average IQ” classification. The list below denotes IQ range and the relative IQ classification based on the range:
- 130+: very superior
- 129-120: superior
- 119-110: high average
- 109-90: average
- 89-80: low average
- 79-70: borderline
- 69 and below: extremely low
Average IQ of United States
The average IQ of the United States is approximately 98, based on data from MedicineNet. Worldwide, average IQs by nation range from 90-109, according to the study.
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont and Minnesota own the top 5 highest average IQs by state, ranging from 104.3-103.7. Alabama, New Mexico, Hawaii, California, Louisiana, and Mississippi have the lowest average IQ by state, ranging from 95.7-94.2.
New England fared well, with several states ranking among the top 10.
New England’s average IG by state
Massachusetts ranked highest on the list, with neighboring states on the tailcoats— boasting IQ score averages above 100. These are the average IQ rankings by New England state:
- Massachusetts: 104.3 (#1 nationwide)
- New Hampshire: 104.2 (#2 nationwide)
- Vermont: 103.8 (#4 nationwide)
- Maine: 103.4 (#6 nationwide)
- Connecticut: 103.1 (#9 nationwide)
- Rhode Island: 99.5 (#33 nationwide)
Based on these scores, all New England states fall into the “average IQ” classification, but five of six New England states rank among the highest in the nation.