Intelligence is complex and influenced by countless factors, including education, socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and environmental conditions. While IQ scores are only one measure of cognitive ability and should not define a person’s potential, researchers have used available standardized testing and survey data to estimate state-level differences in average IQ across the United States.
Experts caution against overgeneralizing: Dr. Linda Gottfredson, a cognitive psychologist, notes, “Average IQ differences between states are small and heavily influenced by social, economic, and educational factors. They do not reflect the intelligence of any individual.”
Based on available data from studies such as Richard Lynn & Tatu Vanhanen’s international IQ research and U.S. standardized test results, here are 10 states with lower estimated average IQs.
Mississippi
Mississippi often ranks lowest in national IQ and standardized test comparisons. According to studies, the estimated average IQ is around 94.2. Contributing factors may include lower educational attainment rates, limited access to quality healthcare, and persistent poverty, which affects early childhood development.
Mississippi has the highest poverty rate in the U.S., with over 17.8% of residents living below the poverty line, which correlates strongly with educational outcomes.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s estimated average IQ hovers around 95.3. Educational disparities, limited funding for schools, and socioeconomic challenges play a significant role. Experts note that public health and nutrition in early childhood also influence cognitive development in the state.
The state still frequently appears in the bottom five for overall education quality and attainment in 2025–2026 reports.
Alabama
Alabama’s average estimated IQ is about 95.7, influenced by a combination of socioeconomic factors and regional disparities in educational quality. Rural areas with limited access to advanced schooling contribute to the overall average.
The state has a high proportion of rural schools, many of which face funding challenges and teacher shortages.
West Virginia
West Virginia, with an estimated average IQ of 97.2, faces economic and educational challenges linked to its historical reliance on industries like coal mining.
Low-income households and limited access to higher education opportunities are factors. West Virginia has one of the lowest college attainment rates in the U.S., which can affect average IQ estimates derived from standardized testing.
Arkansas
Arkansas reports an average IQ estimate of 97.1, influenced by rural poverty, school quality variations, and health disparities. Experts emphasize that regional differences in nutrition and healthcare access also affect cognitive development.
Childhood malnutrition and limited access to early childhood education programs are more common in parts of the state.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s average estimated IQ is around 99.3. Educational attainment and socioeconomic factors, including income inequality, contribute to the lower average compared to national figures.
Oklahoma ranks below the national average in standardized test performance, particularly in math and reading.
Kentucky
Kentucky has an estimated average IQ of 99.4. While the state has strong community support structures, challenges such as rural isolation and lower rates of higher education impact cognitive performance on standardized measures.
Coal-dependent regions in eastern Kentucky often face persistent poverty, affecting early developmental outcomes.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s average estimated IQ is around 95.0, influenced by low education funding, high poverty rates, and public health disparities. The state has historically ranked lower in national reading and math assessments.
Approximately 16.4% of New Mexicans live below the poverty line, which correlates with standardized cognitive outcomes.
Nevada
Nevada, with an estimated average IQ of 96, shows lower performance in educational metrics despite economic growth in urban areas like Las Vegas. Socioeconomic disparities and rapid population growth can strain public education systems.
High rates of mobility and transient populations affect consistency in schooling quality.
Arizona
Arizona’s estimated average IQ is roughly 97, influenced by factors including income inequality, educational access, and health disparities, particularly in rural regions and Native American communities.
Arizona faces challenges in funding and staffing schools in rural areas, which impacts standardized testing outcomes.
Key Takeaways
While these IQ estimates show variation across states, experts emphasize that intelligence is multi-dimensional and shaped by education, health, environment, and opportunity.
These averages do not define individuals and should not be used to stereotype residents. Instead, they highlight broader structural challenges that policymakers can address to improve education, healthcare, and social support systems.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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