Average IQ in Florida
Average IQ
98.4
US Ranking
#32
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 Florida's IQ Ranking
Florida's ranking reflects its unique demographics — a large retiree population, significant immigration from Latin America and the Caribbean, and wide variation between affluent coastal communities and lower-income inland areas. South Florida's international business community and Orlando/Tampa's growing tech sectors attract educated workers, but the state's education system has historically been underfunded relative to its size.
What Shapes Florida's Cognitive Profile
Fourth graders in Florida score surprisingly well on NAEP, sometimes approaching the top ten, but the advantage fades by eighth grade, a pattern researchers attribute partly to the third-grade retention policy concentrating older students in tested grades and partly to genuine early literacy gains from reforms dating to the early 2000s. Teacher pay ranks among the lowest in the nation relative to other college-educated workers, sustaining chronic vacancies. The Bright Futures lottery-funded scholarship keeps many strong students in-state, and the University of Florida has climbed into the top tier of public university rankings. In 2023 the state made school vouchers universal regardless of income, creating the largest such program in the country. Space Coast engineering employment has rebounded with SpaceX and Blue Origin operations around Cape Canaveral. Retiree-heavy counties show little connection between local cognitive demand and local schools. The estimated average reflects a young, churning, heavily immigrant population still being absorbed.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Florida vs Other South States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 98.4 | #32 |
| Virginia | 101.9 | #9 |
| Maryland | 102.3 | #12 |
| Texas | 99.6 | #26 |
| North Carolina | 99.2 | #28 |
| 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 |
| Arkansas | 95 | #46 |
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Florida?
Florida's estimated average IQ is 98.4, ranking #32. The state's diverse demographics and historically underfunded schools contribute to a below-average ranking despite its large economy.
Why doesn't Florida rank higher?
Florida has historically spent less per student than most states, has a large immigrant population still building English proficiency, and has significant rural poverty. However, South Florida and Tampa/Orlando's growing knowledge sectors are improving outcomes.
How does Florida compare to other large states?
Florida (98.4) ranks below California (101.5) and New York (100.7) but near Texas (99.6). All four large states have wide internal variation between affluent and disadvantaged communities.
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.