Average IQ in Indiana: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~99
US Ranking
#27
of 50 states
Region
Midwest
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 Indiana's IQ Ranking
Indiana sits near the national average, with Indianapolis' growing economy and Purdue/Indiana University's strong academic programs balanced by manufacturing-dependent communities facing economic transition. The state has been a leader in school choice programs, though the impact on overall outcomes is debated.
What Shapes Indiana's Cognitive Profile
Purdue froze tuition in 2013 under president Mitch Daniels and held it flat for more than a decade while expanding engineering and computer science enrollment to record levels, an unusual trajectory among public flagships. The catch for Indiana is retention: a large share of Purdue's technical graduates leave, often for Chicago or the coasts. Eli Lilly's enormous LEAP district investment near Lebanon, among the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing commitments in US history, is designed partly to give those graduates a reason to stay. The state's college-going rate has fallen to roughly 53 percent, a decline officials describe as a workforce crisis. The 21st Century Scholars program promises low-income students free tuition but has suffered from low completion of its enrollment requirements. Logistics, the economy's backbone given the crossroads location, generates mostly middle-skill demand. NAEP scores run slightly above national averages. The estimated average describes a state that educates well but exports much of the result.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Indiana vs Other Midwest States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | ~99 | #27 |
| Minnesota | ~104 | #5 |
| Iowa | ~103 | #8 |
| Wisconsin | ~103 | #10 |
| North Dakota | ~103 | #10 |
| Nebraska | ~101 | #15 |
| South Dakota | ~101 | #15 |
| Kansas | ~102 | #16 |
| Illinois | ~100 | #22 |
| Ohio | ~100 | #24 |
| Michigan | ~99 | #25 |
| Missouri | ~100 | #26 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Indiana?
Indiana's estimated average IQ is 99.3, ranking #27 — near the national average. Indianapolis' economy and strong universities lift the average, while rural communities moderate it.
How do Purdue and IU affect Indiana?
Purdue University (engineering) and Indiana University (business, music) are both top-tier institutions that attract talent and produce educated graduates, many of whom stay in-state.
How does Indiana compare to Ohio?
Indiana (99.3) is close to Ohio (99.8). Both are transitioning Midwest states with strong university systems and manufacturing legacies. Ohio's larger metro areas give it a slight edge.
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.