According to recent data, the average IQ in the United States falls around 98. It’s important to remember that IQ tests are designed to have an average score of 100, so a slight deviation is expected.
IQ tests are designed to measure a person’s cognitive abilities, including reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding complex ideas. These tests typically consist of a series of standardized questions and tasks that assess various intellectual functions. Common components include verbal reasoning, mathematical problem-solving, pattern recognition, memory, and spatial understanding. Test-takers are given a set amount of time to complete these tasks, and their performance is scored relative to a normed group, usually based on age.
The resulting score, called an intelligence quotient (IQ), is intended to reflect the individual’s mental capacity compared to the average population. While the specific content and format of IQ tests can vary, the underlying principles aim to provide an objective measure of intellectual potential.
While there is debate about the validity of using a single test to measure intelligence, IQ scores can be useful for making general comparisons. The average IQ for individuals typically ranges from 85 to 115, with the global average at 82. In the U.S., the average IQ is 97.43, placing it 28th globally.
California
Despite being the hub of tech innovation in Silicon Valley, California has one of the lower average IQ scores in the U.S., ranking 45th. The state’s average IQ is 97.1, slightly below the national average.
Alabama
Alabama ranks even lower, with an average IQ of 96.4, placing it among the bottom states. This may be linked to its educational ranking; Alabama is 45th in education, with only 37.8% of its population having a college education.
South Carolina
South Carolina has an average IQ of 97.8, ranking 41st. The state is also low in educational rankings, coming in 43rd for higher education and 41st for Pre-K-12, which may correlate with its average IQ score.
Texas
Texas, at #42, has an average IQ of 97.4, close to the national average. Despite its low IQ ranking, Texas fares better in overall education, ranking 29th.
Nevada
Nevada’s average IQ is 96.6, placing it 46th. Despite its thriving gambling industry and strong economy, the state’s IQ ranking remains low.
Mississippi
With an average IQ of 95.8, Mississippi ranks 47th. Interestingly, the state ranks 35th for education, suggesting that factors other than education might influence its low IQ score.
Louisiana
Louisiana is second from the bottom with an average IQ of 95.2. The state ranks poorly in education (47th), economy (49th), and crime and corrections (50th). Despite its cultural richness, Louisiana’s overall rankings are low.
New Mexico
At the bottom of the rankings is New Mexico, with an average IQ of 95. The state also ranks lowest in education and has poor rankings in economy (45th) and crime and corrections (48th), indicating a potential link between education quality and average IQ.
IQs Across the U.S.
Even the lowest-ranked states have IQ scores above the global average and close to the national average. However, significant disparities exist, particularly when comparing states at the top and bottom of the rankings. New Hampshire, the top-ranked state, has an average IQ of 103.2. Investigating the reasons behind these differences could reveal insights into the impact of education access and funding on IQ scores.