Average IQ in Idaho: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~101
US Ranking
#15
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 Idaho's IQ Ranking
Idaho ranks above average driven by Boise's growing tech sector (Micron, HP) and strong community schools. The state has attracted educated workers from expensive California and Washington. Idaho's culture of self-reliance and community involvement supports educational engagement, though the state has relatively low per-pupil spending.
What Shapes Idaho's Cognitive Profile
Idaho spends less per pupil than almost any state, and its go-on rate, the share of graduates continuing directly to college, has lingered around 40 percent, among the nation's lowest, a figure state leaders have targeted for years with limited movement. Rural districts increasingly run four-day school weeks to save money, making Idaho a leading case study of that practice. The Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls serves as the country's center for nuclear reactor research and employs thousands of scientists and engineers, a cognitive cluster strangely detached from the Boise corridor. Micron's CHIPS Act expansion in Boise commits tens of billions of dollars to new fabs and has pushed Boise State to scale engineering and microelectronics programs quickly. In-migration from the Pacific coast keeps raising adult attainment faster than the K-12 system raises its own output. The estimated average above the national mean owes more to who moves in than to what the schools themselves produce.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Idaho vs Other West States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | ~101 | #15 |
| Oregon | ~103 | #6 |
| Washington | ~103 | #7 |
| Montana | ~103 | #7 |
| Colorado | ~103 | #11 |
| Wyoming | ~102 | #11 |
| California | ~102 | #14 |
| 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 Idaho?
Idaho's estimated average IQ is 101.4, ranking #15. Boise's tech growth and in-migration of educated workers from expensive states contribute to above-average performance.
How is Boise changing Idaho?
Boise's tech boom (Micron, HP, startups) and quality of life have attracted thousands of educated workers from California and other expensive states, raising the region's and state's educational profile.
How does Idaho compare to Montana?
Idaho (101.4) and Montana (103.4) are both growing Western states, with Montana's slightly higher ranking reflecting its smaller, more uniformly educated population.
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.