Average IQ in Iowa: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~103
US Ranking
#8
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 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 | #8 |
| Minnesota | ~104 | #5 |
| 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 |
| Indiana | ~99 | #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
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.