Average IQ in Kansas
Average IQ
101.7
US Ranking
#16
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 Kansas's IQ Ranking
Kansas ranks above average thanks to strong public schools, particularly in suburban Kansas City and Wichita. The state has a tradition of well-funded school districts and above-average ACT/SAT scores. Kansas State and the University of Kansas provide solid higher education options. The state's agricultural and aerospace sectors (Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation) create demand for educated workers.
What Shapes Kansas's Cognitive Profile
The Brownback tax cuts of 2012 forced years of school budget austerity until the state Supreme Court's Gannon rulings compelled funding restoration, a fiscal experiment that became a national cautionary tale and measurably squeezed Kansas districts. Johnson County's suburbs, especially the Blue Valley and Olathe districts, perform at levels rivaling the best of the Northeast and pull statewide results upward. Wichita's aviation cluster, with Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Bombardier operations, sustains the densest aerospace manufacturing workforce in the country and steady engineering demand met partly by Wichita State. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility opened in Manhattan beside Kansas State, adding a federal laboratory to a college town. Panasonic's battery plant in De Soto represents the largest economic development project in state history. Western Kansas continues emptying out, with schools consolidating across vast distances. The estimated average stays above the national mean on the strength of the eastern counties.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Kansas vs Other Midwest States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 101.7 | #16 |
| 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 |
| 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 Kansas?
Kansas' estimated average IQ is 101.7, ranking #16 nationally. Strong public schools and a culture of educational investment produce above-average outcomes.
Why does Kansas perform well educationally?
Kansas benefits from well-funded school districts, low poverty rates relative to many states, a strong land-grant university system, and aerospace/agricultural sectors that value education. The Kansas City suburbs have particularly strong schools.
How does Kansas compare to Nebraska?
Kansas (101.7) and Nebraska (101.4) are very close, both benefiting from Midwest educational traditions and strong public school systems. Both 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.