Average IQ in Iowa
Average IQ
103.2
US Ranking
#8
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 Iowa's IQ Ranking
Iowa ranks in the top 10 thanks to its strong public education tradition, high literacy rates, and well-funded rural school districts. The state has consistently above-average ACT scores and graduation rates. Iowa's agricultural economy values practical education, and the state's relatively low cost of living allows education dollars to go further than in more expensive states.
What Shapes Iowa's Cognitive Profile
The Iowa Testing Programs at the University of Iowa created the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, the assessment that defined American standardized testing for much of the twentieth century, and the Iowa Writers' Workshop made Iowa City a UNESCO City of Literature. Mid-century Iowa routinely topped national achievement comparisons; its relative position has eroded since, with NAEP scores now above average but no longer exceptional, a slide analysts link to stagnant funding growth and rural depopulation. Hundreds of small districts have consolidated as enrollment shrinks outside the metro counties. Des Moines anchors an insurance and financial services cluster, with Principal and EMC employing large actuarial staffs, and the city has drawn fintech operations seeking low operating costs. Iowa State's engineering and agronomy research supports a sophisticated agricultural technology sector, from seed genetics at Corteva to precision farming startups in Ames. The estimated average rests on broad rural literacy rather than on any single metropolitan engine.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Iowa vs Other Midwest States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 103.2 | #8 |
| Minnesota | 103.7 | #5 |
| 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 |
| Indiana | 99.3 | #27 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Iowa?
Iowa's estimated average IQ is 103.2, ranking #8 nationally. The state's strong public education tradition and well-funded school districts produce consistently above-average outcomes.
Why does Iowa rank so high?
Iowa has a long tradition of educational investment, low poverty rates for a rural state, high graduation rates, and a culture that values education. The University of Iowa and Iowa State provide strong higher education options.
How does Iowa compare to other Midwest states?
Iowa (103.2) ranks behind Minnesota (103.7) but ahead of Wisconsin (102.9) and Illinois (100.1). The upper Midwest states consistently outperform the national average.
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.