Average IQ in Colorado: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~103
US Ranking
#11
of 50 states
Region
West
Note: No state administers IQ tests to its residents. These estimates are proxy conversions from standardized achievement scores (NAEP, SAT, ACT) — an approach popularized by McDaniel's 2006 state-IQ estimates in the journal Intelligence — combined with demographic data. Proxy conversions carry real limitations: SAT/ACT participation rates differ sharply by state and bias comparisons, and the variation within any state dwarfs the differences between states. Figures are shown rounded; decimal precision would overstate what these proxies can support. They say nothing about any individual resident.
About Colorado's IQ Ranking
Colorado ranks #11, driven by its highly educated population — the state has one of the highest percentages of college-degree holders in the nation. Boulder and Denver attract tech workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and educated professionals. The state's aerospace, technology, and renewable energy sectors create demand for skilled workers, pulling in talent from across the country.
What Shapes Colorado's Cognitive Profile
Researchers call it the Colorado paradox: the state ranks near the top in adults holding bachelor's degrees yet near the middle in the share of its own high school graduates who eventually earn one. Imported talent does most of the work. Federal laboratories reinforce the effect, with NREL in Golden, NCAR and NIST in Boulder, and NOAA facilities employing thousands of physical scientists along the Front Range. The Colorado School of Mines posts some of the highest mid-career salary outcomes of any public university, reflecting demand from energy and aerospace employers like Lockheed Martin in Littleton and Ball Aerospace in Boulder. Meanwhile the TABOR amendment constrains tax revenue, leaving per-pupil K-12 spending below the national average despite the state's wealth, a mismatch unusual among high-attainment states. The San Luis Valley and the eastern plains post outcomes far from the Front Range norm. Estimated averages for Boulder County alone would rank among the highest recorded for any US county.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Colorado vs Other West States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | ~103 | #11 |
| Oregon | ~103 | #6 |
| Washington | ~103 | #7 |
| Montana | ~103 | #7 |
| Wyoming | ~102 | #11 |
| California | ~102 | #14 |
| Idaho | ~101 | #15 |
| Utah | ~101 | #17 |
| Hawaii | ~99 | #25 |
| Alaska | ~99 | #30 |
| Arizona | ~97 | #38 |
| Nevada | ~97 | #40 |
| New Mexico | ~95 | #47 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Colorado?
Colorado's estimated average IQ is 102.5, ranking #11 nationally. The state's highly educated, tech-oriented population drives strong cognitive test performance.
Why is Colorado so educated?
Colorado attracts highly educated workers through its quality of life (outdoor recreation, climate), booming tech and aerospace sectors, and strong university system including CU Boulder and Colorado School of Mines.
How does Colorado compare to California?
Colorado (102.5) outranks California (101.5), partly because Colorado's smaller population is more uniformly educated, while California's vast size includes wider socioeconomic variation.
Explore Other States
Take our free IQ test to see how you compare, or learn what IQ actually measures.
MyIQScores Editorial Team
Editorial team focused on cognitive testing & psychometrics research
Last updated
May 10, 2026
MyIQScores content is written and maintained by our editorial team using published research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics as its source base. We label estimates as estimates, link primary sources where available, correct errors when readers flag them, and update pages as research or feedback warrants — see our corrections policy.