Average IQ in Mississippi
Average IQ
94.2
US Ranking
#50
of 50 states
Region
South
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 Mississippi's IQ Ranking
Mississippi consistently ranks last or near-last in state IQ estimates, reflecting the nation's highest poverty rate, lowest median income, and historically underfunded education system. However, the state has made significant educational improvements in recent years — Mississippi's NAEP reading scores have risen faster than any other state since 2013, following the adoption of research-based literacy programs. This progress suggests the ranking may improve over time as reforms take effect.
What Shapes Mississippi's Cognitive Profile
Shipbuilding at Ingalls in Pascagoula, the state's largest private employer, and automotive plants run by Nissan in Canton and Toyota in Blue Springs supply Mississippi's main concentrations of technical work, since no metropolitan area in the state is large enough to anchor a knowledge economy. That absence matters: graduates of Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Jackson State leave at high rates for Memphis, Nashville, Dallas, and Atlanta because matching jobs are scarce at home. The Delta region has lost population for generations, and districts there struggle with teacher vacancies that certification incentives have not closed. Jackson's repeated water system failures disrupted schooling for tens of thousands of students in recent years. Mississippi State carries unexpected research strength in unmanned aerial systems and agricultural science. The estimated average ranks last among the states, yet 2024 NAEP fourth grade math results reached the national average for the first time, evidence that the early-grade reforms now extend well beyond reading.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Mississippi vs Other South States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 94.2 | #50 |
| Virginia | 101.9 | #9 |
| Maryland | 102.3 | #12 |
| Texas | 99.6 | #26 |
| North Carolina | 99.2 | #28 |
| Florida | 98.4 | #32 |
| Georgia | 98 | #35 |
| Tennessee | 97.1 | #39 |
| Oklahoma | 97 | #39 |
| South Carolina | 96.4 | #41 |
| Kentucky | 96 | #42 |
| Alabama | 95.7 | #43 |
| West Virginia | 95.5 | #44 |
| Louisiana | 95.3 | #45 |
| Arkansas | 95 | #46 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Mississippi?
Mississippi's estimated average IQ is 94.2, ranking #50 (last) among US states. This reflects the state's high poverty rate and historically underfunded education system, though recent reforms show promising progress.
Why does Mississippi rank last?
Mississippi has the nation's highest poverty rate, lowest median income, and a history of educational underinvestment. These socioeconomic factors are the primary drivers of low average test scores — not the innate ability of Mississippi's residents.
Is Mississippi's education improving?
Yes, significantly. Mississippi's NAEP reading scores have improved faster than any other state since 2013, following adoption of evidence-based literacy programs. The state is often cited as a model for how targeted reforms can improve outcomes even in challenging conditions.
Explore Other States
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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.