Average IQ in Indiana
Average IQ
99.3
US Ranking
#27
of 50 states
Region
Midwest
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 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 | 99.3 | #27 |
| Minnesota | 103.7 | #5 |
| Iowa | 103.2 | #8 |
| Wisconsin | 102.9 | #10 |
| North Dakota | 102.7 | #10 |
| Nebraska | 101.4 | #15 |
| South Dakota | 101.4 | #15 |
| Kansas | 101.7 | #16 |
| Illinois | 100.1 | #22 |
| Ohio | 99.8 | #24 |
| Michigan | 99.4 | #25 |
| Missouri | 99.5 | #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
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.