Understanding Average IQ Score by State
The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a standardized measure used to assess human intelligence. It compares a person’s cognitive abilities to the average population, with the average score typically falling around 100.
To understand how IQ varies across the United States, Marcus Lu from Visual Capitalist visualized data from a 2022 report published in the National Library of Medicine (Journal of Intelligence) by Bryan J. Pesta, titled Updated IQ and Well-Being Scores for the 50 U.S. States. This data can be accessed via Data Pandas or through the scientific research paper itself.
Data and Methodology
The IQ estimates are based on an analysis of exam scores from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competency (PIAAC) for adults, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for fourth and eighth grade children.
The PIAAC is a large-scale international study of key cognitive and workplace skills of adults, while the NAEP is the largest nationally representative assessment of student capabilities in public and private schools in the U.S.
It's important to note that IQ scores have their limitations, and do not capture all aspects of intelligence such as creativity or emotional intelligence. The numbers used to create this graphic are listed in the table below.
Ranking of States by Average IQ
The dataset reveals that the average IQ score by state ranges between 94.2 and 104.3. These scores are all considered “average intelligence” by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.
The top three states are Massachusetts (104.3), New Hampshire (104.2), and North Dakota (103.8).
The higher score average in Massachusetts could be attributed to several factors. The state is home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, which may contribute to a more academically focused culture. It also has a relatively high median household income, meaning families could have greater access to educational tools.
Bottom Line
This data provides an interesting insight into the average IQ scores across the United States. However, it's important to remember that IQ scores are not the only measure of intelligence and they have their limitations. Factors such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and even access to educational resources can also play a significant role in cognitive abilities.
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Understanding Average IQ Score by State
The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a standardized measure used to assess human intelligence. It compares a person’s cognitive abilities to the average population, with the average score typically falling around 100.
To understand how IQ varies across the United States, Marcus Lu from Visual Capitalist visualized data from a 2022 report published in the National Library of Medicine (Journal of Intelligence) by Bryan J. Pesta, titled Updated IQ and Well-Being Scores for the 50 U.S. States. This data can be accessed via Data Pandas or through the scientific research paper itself.
