Average IQ in Mississippi: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~94
US Ranking
#50
of 50 states
Region
South
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 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 | #50 |
| Virginia | ~102 | #9 |
| Maryland | ~102 | #12 |
| Texas | ~100 | #26 |
| North Carolina | ~99 | #28 |
| Florida | ~98 | #32 |
| Georgia | ~98 | #35 |
| Tennessee | ~97 | #39 |
| Oklahoma | ~97 | #39 |
| South Carolina | ~96 | #41 |
| Kentucky | ~96 | #42 |
| Alabama | ~96 | #43 |
| West Virginia | ~96 | #44 |
| Louisiana | ~95 | #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
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.