Average IQ in Arkansas
Average IQ
95
US Ranking
#46
of 50 states
Region
South
Note: State-level IQ estimates are derived from standardized test scores (NAEP, SAT, ACT) and demographic data. They reflect population-level trends influenced by education funding, socioeconomic factors, and demographics — not the intelligence of any individual resident.
About Arkansas's IQ Ranking
Arkansas ranks in the lower tier due to high poverty rates, limited education funding, and a largely rural population with fewer educational resources. However, Northwest Arkansas (Walmart/Tyson headquarters region) has experienced rapid growth and improving educational outcomes. The state was an early adopter of school choice programs and has invested in computer science education for all students.
What Shapes Arkansas's Cognitive Profile
The LEARNS Act of 2023 raised Arkansas minimum teacher salaries from among the nation's lowest to $50,000, one of the largest single-year pay jumps any state has enacted, while phasing in universal vouchers alongside it. The Lake View ruling two decades earlier had already forced funding equalization across districts. Northeast Arkansas built an unexpected steel corridor: Big River Steel and US Steel investments made Mississippi County one of the largest steel-producing counties in America, demanding metallurgists and skilled technicians in a former cotton region. The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville has grown rapidly on Walton family philanthropy, including a fully endowed graduate business school and the Crystal Bridges museum ecosystem nearby. Delta counties along the Mississippi River continue some of the steepest population losses in the country, leaving schools with shrinking enrollment and eroding tax bases. UAMS in Little Rock anchors the state's medical research. The estimated average sits low statewide while the northwest corner behaves like a different state entirely.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Arkansas vs Other South States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 95 | #46 |
| Virginia | 101.9 | #9 |
| Maryland | 102.3 | #12 |
| Texas | 99.6 | #26 |
| North Carolina | 99.2 | #28 |
| Florida | 98.4 | #32 |
| Georgia | 98 | #35 |
| Tennessee | 97.1 | #39 |
| Oklahoma | 97 | #39 |
| South Carolina | 96.4 | #41 |
| Kentucky | 96 | #42 |
| Alabama | 95.7 | #43 |
| West Virginia | 95.5 | #44 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #45 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Arkansas?
Arkansas' estimated average IQ is 95.0, ranking #46. High poverty and limited education resources challenge the state, though Northwest Arkansas is rapidly improving.
How is Northwest Arkansas different?
The Walmart/Tyson/JB Hunt headquarters region in NW Arkansas has boomed economically, attracting educated workers from nationwide. Bentonville's schools now rival top suburban districts nationally, though the rest of the state lags.
How does Arkansas compare to Mississippi?
Arkansas (95.0) ranks above Mississippi (94.2) but below most Southern states. Both face similar challenges with rural poverty and education funding, though Arkansas' NW corridor provides more economic momentum.
Explore Other States
Take our free IQ test to see how you compare, or learn what IQ actually measures.
MyIQScores Editorial Team
Researchers in cognitive psychology, psychometrics & educational science
Last updated
May 10, 2026
All content on MyIQScores is reviewed for scientific accuracy against peer-reviewed research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics. Our editorial team cross-references each article with published literature before publication and updates pages whenever new research warrants a revision.