What Is the Average IQ? By Country, State, Gender & More

The average intelligence quotient (IQ) is between 85 and 115. This number can vary drastically between countries, states, and even geographical regions.

steven zauderer
Steven Zauderer
July 21, 2023
4
min read

What Is The Average IQ?

  1. Most people have an average IQ between 85 and 115.
  2. Around 98% of people have a score below 130.
  3. Just 2% of the population score above that are considered above average.

The average IQ score is between 85 and 115, with scores above or below this indicating above or below average intelligence, respectively. The standard deviation of IQ scores is set at 15, which means that around 68% of people will have an IQ score between 85 and 115.

average iq

What’s The Average IQ In The U.S.?

According to 2019’s The Intelligence of the Nations report, the average IQ in the United States is 97.43, which was calculated using multiple versions of IQ tests as well as detailed sample data regarding socioeconomic and environmental factors.

The state IQ scores were published in 2022.

These were derived from National Assessment of Educational Progress (NEAP) reading and math scores.

  • Alabama: 96.4
  • Alaska: 99.4
  • Arizona: 98.3
  • Arkansas: 97.1
  • California: 97.1
  • Colorado: 101.1
  • Connecticut: 101.2
  • Delaware: 98.7
  • Florida: 98.8
  • Georgia: 98.1
  • Hawaii: 99.2
  • Idaho: 100.5
  • Illinois: 99.4
  • Indiana: 100.6
  • Iowa: 101.1
  • Kansas: 100.5
  • Kentucky: 98.8
  • Louisiana: 95.2
  • Maine: 100.9
  • Maryland: 100
  • Massachusetts: 103.1
  • Michigan: 99.6
  • Minnesota: 102.9
  • Mississippi: 95.8
  • Missouri: 99.5
  • Montana: 101.1
  • Nebraska: 101.2
  • Nevada: 96.6
  • New Hampshire: 103.2
  • New Jersey: 101.0
  • New Mexico: 95.0
  • New York: 98.4
  • North Carolina: 99.5
  • North Dakota: 101.7
  • Ohio: 100.0
  • Oklahoma: 98.2
  • Oregon: 100.3
  • Pennsylvania: 100.2
  • Rhode Island: 99.4
  • South Carolina: 97.8
  • South Dakota: 100.7
  • Tennessee: 98.3
  • Texas: 97.4
  • Utah: 101.5
  • Vermont: 102.2
  • Virginia: 101.2
  • Washington: 101.5
  • West Virginia: 97.2
  • Wisconsin: 101.2
  • Wyoming: 101.7

What Is The Global Average IQ?

A 2010 study looking into IQ and educational attainment scores for 108 nations found that the average IQ across the globe was 89.

The average IQ of countries around the world can range, from Indiana at 76.24 to China at 104.10.

Other examples of average IQ by country from The Intelligence of Nations report include:

  • Finland: 101.20
  • Netherlands: 100.74
  • Germany: 100.74
  • United Kingdom: 99.12
  • United States: 97.43
  • Spain: 93.90
  • Poland: 92.87
  • Mexico: 87.73
  • Colombia: 83.13
  • Egypt: 76.32
  • India: 76.24

What's The Average IQ By Country?

What Is IQ?

IQ, or intelligence quotient, is a measure of a person's cognitive abilities. It is often used to assess a person's intellectual potential and is a key factor in determining their academic and professional success. The average IQ is a term used to describe the average score of a group of people who have taken an IQ test.

IQ tests are designed to measure a range of cognitive abilities, including verbal and nonverbal reasoning, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. They are typically standardized tests, meaning that they are administered under controlled conditions and scored according to a predetermined set of criteria.

It's important to note that IQ tests are not perfect measures of intelligence. They are influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural and socioeconomic background, education, and even test-taking skills.

Additionally, IQ tests only measure certain aspects of intelligence, such as analytical and logical reasoning, and do not take into account other important factors such as emotional intelligence or creativity.

Despite these limitations, IQ tests remain a popular and widely used tool for assessing intelligence. They are used in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, and even the military. However, it's important to remember that IQ scores are just one measure of intelligence and should not be used as the sole determinant of a person's abilities or potential.

In conclusion, the average IQ is a measure of the average score of a group of people who have taken an IQ test. IQ tests are designed to measure a range of cognitive abilities, but they are not perfect measures of intelligence and should be used in conjunction with other measures to assess a person's abilities and potential.