The average IQ in the United States is approximately 98, based on the most recent data from MedicineNet.
IQ tests are designed with a standard average score of 100, so a slight variation is normal.
According to data, the average IQ among U.S. males is slightly higher than that of females, with males scoring an average of 99 and females scoring 97.
Encouragingly, the average IQ in the U.S. has been steadily increasing over time.
This improvement is linked to factors such as enhanced education, better healthcare, and improved nutrition.
These trends emphasize the importance of investing in education and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone.
Key Takeaways
Average IQ by State in the United States
Rank
State
Average IQ
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
11
Kansas
102.8
12
New Jersey
102.8
13
South Dakota
102.8
14
Wyoming
102.4
15
Nebraska
102.3
16
Virginia
101.9
17
Washington
101.9
18
Ohio
101.8
19
Indiana
101.7
20
Colorado
101.6
21
Pennsylvania
101.5
22
Idaho
101.4
23
Oregon
101.2
24
Utah
101.1
25
Missouri
101
26
New York
100.7
27
Michigan
100.5
28
Delaware
100.4
29
North Carolina
100.2
30
Texas
100
31
Illinois
99.9
32
Maryland
99.7
33
Rhode Island
99.5
34
Kentucky
99.4
35
Oklahoma
99.3
36
Alaska
99
37
West Virginia
98.7
38
Florida
98.4
39
South Carolina
98.4
40
Georgia
98
41
Tennessee
97.7
42
Arkansas
97.5
43
Arizona
97.4
44
Nevada
96.5
45
Alabama
95.7
46
New Mexico
95.7
47
Hawaii
95.6
48
California
95.5
49
Louisiana
95.3
50
Mississippi
94.2
The ranking of average IQ by state reveals distinct regional and socioeconomic trends.
States like Massachusetts and New Hampshire, known for strong education systems and widespread access to quality healthcare, rank the highest, while states such as Mississippi and Louisiana, which face challenges like underfunded schools and higher poverty rates, rank at the bottom according to the data from DataPandas.
Interestingly, many rural states with smaller populations, such as North Dakota and Vermont, perform better than larger, more urbanized states like California and Texas, likely due to better student-to-teacher ratios and a focus on community-driven education.
These patterns highlight the significant influence of state policies and resource allocation on cognitive development. States with higher average IQs often invest in early childhood education, teacher training, and access to healthcare and nutrition programs, ensuring a strong foundation for intellectual growth.
In contrast, lower-ranking states frequently contend with systemic issues such as economic inequality and inadequate public services, which hinder their ability to improve outcomes for students.
Addressing these disparities will require targeted efforts to improve equity in education funding, expand access to healthcare, and implement robust nutrition programs, particularly in underserved areas.
Such changes can help bridge the cognitive gaps across states and provide more equal opportunities for all individuals to reach their intellectual potential.
Average IQ Score by Age
This IQ score chart by age typically peaks during late adolescence and gradually increases again in later years, according to the NCBI studies.
For example, the average IQ scale by age is 108 for those aged 16-17, but reaches 119 for individuals aged 70-74.
This pattern suggests that life experience and cognitive maturity influence IQ in different age groups.
For instance, the average IQ scale shows that individuals aged 16-17 generally have an average IQ score by age of around 108. Interestingly, this number tends to increase as people grow older, with those aged 70-74 achieving an average IQ of 119.
This suggests that while raw cognitive speed may peak in youth, accumulated knowledge and critical thinking skillsโkey components of intelligenceโcontinue to develop well into later years.
Many people often ask, “What is the average IQ?” Globally, the standard average IQ is set at 100. However, variations can occur depending on numerous factors, including education, environment, and health. When we look at regional differences, for example, the average IQ in the USA is slightly higher than the global average, typically ranging between 97 and 100.
IQ Scores and Intelligence Levels
IQ Scores
Intelligence Level
Between 110 and 119
Superior intelligence or above-average
Between 120 and 140
Superintelligence or gifted
Over 140
Genius or nearly genius
Between 80 and 89
Indicates dullness or lower average
Below 70
Definite low intelligence or “feeble-mindedness”
IQ scores are categorized to indicate various levels of intelligence.
A score between 110-119 reflects above-average intelligence, while 120-140 represents giftedness.
Scores over 140 classify individuals as geniuses, with only about 2% of the population reaching above 130, as per this research note.
Scores below 70 indicate significantly lower intellectual abilities.
Some historical figures, such as Albert Einstein and Ada Lovelace, were estimated to have IQs of around 160, while rare outliers, such as Terence Tao (IQ 230), are considered mathematical and intellectual prodigies.
Average IQ
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An average IQ score is generally set at 100, representing the typical level of intelligence for a specific age group. This benchmark is based on a statistical distribution where most people about 68% of the populationโscore within 15 points of the average, meaning between 85 and 115. When people ask, “What is the average IQ?”, they are usually referring to this central point on the IQ scale by age.
IQ scores are calculated through standardized testing and statistical comparisons to peers of the same age. This means that the average IQ score by age may show slight variations, particularly during adolescence and older adulthood, as cognitive development and life experiences influence abilities.
For instance, studies have found that the average IQ in the USA typically falls between 97 and 100, depending on the specific test and population sampled.
Importantly, IQ is not a fixed or isolated number. Rather, it reflects how an individualโs cognitive abilities such as reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and verbal skills compare to others in the same age group.
While having a higher or lower score than the average can offer insights into academic or cognitive strengths and weaknesses, experts emphasize that IQ is only one measure of intelligence. Skills like emotional intelligence, creativity, leadership ability, and practical problem-solving are equally crucial but are often not captured fully by traditional IQ tests.
The Evolution of Testing
The concept of IQ testing has a long history, beginning in the late 1800s when early researchers first attempted to quantify human intelligence. In 1905, Alfred Binet developed the first recognized intelligence test to help identify students needing academic assistance.
Shortly after, German psychologist William Stern refined Binetโs work by introducing the concept of the “intelligence quotient,” a term that remains foundational to how we understand and measure IQ today.
This innovation eventually led to the development of modern IQ score systems, including the creation of the IQ score chart by age, which helps compare cognitive performance across different age groups.
Over time, IQ tests evolved to assess not just academic ability but also practical reasoning, emotional intelligence, and social skills. Tools like the IQ scale by age and various IQ score charts allow researchers to better understand patterns in intelligence throughout a person’s life.
For example, when people ask “What is the average IQ?” or “What is the average IQ score by age?”, they often refer to these updated systems that provide a broader view of intellectual development over time.
Typically, the average IQ globally is set around 100, but this can vary slightly by region. In fact, the average IQ in the USA tends to hover between 97 and 100, depending on the source and testing methods used.
Although such numbers provide a general framework, many experts stress that intelligence cannot be fully captured by a single score. Despite advancements, critics argue that IQ tests remain limited in capturing the full spectrum of human abilities, overlooking critical factors such as creativity, emotional depth, and adaptive thinkingโareas where traditional IQ tests may fall short.
Applications of IQ Testing
IQ tests serve multiple purposes, including:
Factors Influencing IQ
Several factors can affect IQ, including genetics, environment, health, education, and even musical training.
IQ typically increases with age but may decline in older adulthood. Cultural practices and brain anatomy also play roles in shaping an individualโs IQ.
Case Studies and Real-Life Examples
People with highest IQ๐ง :
1. Wm. James Sidis โ 250โ300
2. Terence Tao โ 225โ230
3. Christopher Hirata โ 225
4. Kim Ung Yong โ 210
5. Garry Kasparov โ 194
6. Marilyn Vos Savant โ 190
7. Leonardo da Vinci โ 190
8. Judit Polgar โ 170
9. A. Einstein โ 160โ190
10. S. Hawking โ 160โ World of Statistics (@stats_feed) October 19, 2021
High IQ individuals have contributed significantly to their fields, while others with average or below-average IQs have demonstrated success through creativity, perseverance, and other qualities, according to the Verywell Mind.
Here are some notable examples:
Name
IQ Score
Contribution
Albert Einstein
160-180
Revolutionized physics with the theory of relativity.
Terence Tao
211-230
Advanced mathematics in number theory and harmonic analysis.
Ada Lovelace
Estimated 170
Pioneered computer programming as the first programmer.
In contrast, individuals with average or below-average IQs show that intelligence alone does not define success:
Name
IQ Score
Achievement
Richard Feynman
125
Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for quantum mechanics.
Muhammad Ali
78
World boxing champion, renowned for his strategic thinking and charisma.
These examples highlight the multifaceted nature of intelligence, where qualities like creativity, determination, and emotional intelligence also play crucial roles.
IQ Beyond Academics
IQ measures cognitive skills like reasoning and memory, but life success involves more dimensions.
Key additional intelligence includes:
Type of Intelligence
Description
Examples of Professions
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Ability to manage emotions and empathize with others.
Counseling, Leadership, Social Work
Practical Intelligence
Solving real-world problems effectively.
Entrepreneurs, Tradespeople
Creativity
Innovating and generating new ideas.
Artists, Engineers, Scientists
For example, leaders like Steve Jobs leveraged creativity more than traditional cognitive skills, reshaping industries with innovative products, as noted in HBR.
While IQ correlates moderately with academic performance, other factors, such as adaptability and emotional resilience, are better predictors of career and personal achievements.
Global Comparisons of Average IQ
Average IQ varies significantly worldwide due to educational quality, healthcare, and socio-economic factors.
When examining global comparisons of IQ, it becomes clear that average IQ scores vary significantly across different countries and regions. These variations are strongly influenced by several key factors, including access to quality education, availability of healthcare, nutrition, economic development, and social stability.
Countries with well-funded school systems, comprehensive healthcare, and stable living conditionsโsuch as Singapore, Japan, and South Koreaโtend to report the highest average IQ scores, often exceeding 105. In contrast, nations with limited educational resources, widespread poverty, and health challenges generally display lower averages, often below 90.
For example, while the average IQ in the USA is approximately 98, countries like Singapore and Japan have higher averages at around 108 and 106, respectively. European nations such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany typically range between 100 and 104, reflecting strong investments in education and child development.
Meanwhile, many developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, report lower average IQ scores due to systemic barriers like underfunded education systems, malnutrition, and limited access to early childhood care.
Below is a table comparing the U.S. to other countries:
Cultural and Environmental Impacts
- Education: Countries with well-funded schools and rigorous curricula produce higher IQ averages according to the NCBI.
- Healthcare: Access to good nutrition and prenatal care contributes to brain development.
- Environment: Stable, enriching environments foster better cognitive outcomes.
Statistics and Visual Insights
Based on data, IQ changes across the lifespan:
The data suggests that IQ peaks in adolescence and increases slightly in later life due to accumulated knowledge and experience.
Global Distributions
Hereโs a simple representation of global IQ averages:
- Above 105: Singapore, Japan
- 90-105: Most European countries, the United States
- Below 90: Developing nations with limited access to education and healthcare.
Limitations and Misconceptions
While IQ tests measure certain intellectual abilities, they do not encompass all aspects of intelligence, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, or common sense.
High IQ scores do not guarantee success, especially in stressful or practical scenarios.
Furthermore, reliance on IQ scores can lead to biases and societal prejudice.
Intelligence is multifaceted, and qualities like adaptability, emotional health, and judgment extend beyond what IQ can measure.
FAQs
Methodology
- Researched authoritative sources like MedicineNet, Bright Futures, and NCBI for accurate IQ statistics.
- Analyzed state-level IQ data to identify regional and socio-economic trends.
- Cross-referenced global IQ scores to provide a comparative perspective.
- Included historical context and case studies of individuals with varying IQ levels.
- Highlighted critiques and limitations of IQ testing as a measure of intelligence.
- Structured the article with visuals, tables, and actionable insights for clarity and engagement.
References
- MedicineNet – What Is the Normal Range for IQ?
- DataPandas – Average IQ by State
- NCBI – The Relationship Between Age and Cognitive Development
- Verywell Mind – Are People With High IQs More Successful?
- Harvard Business Review (HBR) – The Real Leadership Lessons of Steve Jobs
- Study.com – IQ Scores Form a Normal Distribution
- NCBI – Global IQ Averages and Educational Impact
