Average IQ in Nebraska: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~101
US Ranking
#15
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 Nebraska's IQ Ranking
Nebraska performs above average with strong public schools, high graduation rates, and low unemployment. Omaha's financial sector (Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha) and the University of Nebraska system provide educational anchors. The state's agricultural heritage supports a culture of practical education and hard work. Rural communities maintain surprisingly strong schools thanks to community investment.
What Shapes Nebraska's Cognitive Profile
Omaha's economy is stranger than its reputation suggests: beyond Berkshire Hathaway, the city hosts Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, whose intelligence and targeting missions concentrate cleared analysts, plus a payments processing cluster that earned the metro an early Silicon Prairie nickname. Nebraska was among the last states to adopt statewide standardized testing, having long preferred locally designed assessments, a vestige of its strong local-control tradition. The University of Nebraska Medical Center built one of the world's leading biocontainment and pandemic response programs, treating Ebola patients in 2014. Rural counties lose young adults steadily, yet small town schools maintain high graduation rates and solid ACT results right up until students depart. Center pivot irrigation, invented in the state and manufactured by Valmont and Lindsay, supports a quietly technical agricultural sector. The estimated average benefits from low unemployment, stable households, and the absence of concentrated urban poverty at any large scale.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Nebraska vs Other Midwest States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | ~101 | #15 |
| Minnesota | ~104 | #5 |
| Iowa | ~103 | #8 |
| Wisconsin | ~103 | #10 |
| North Dakota | ~103 | #10 |
| 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 Nebraska?
Nebraska's estimated average IQ is 101.4, ranking #15 nationally. Strong public schools, low poverty, and a diversified economy contribute to above-average outcomes.
How does Omaha's economy affect Nebraska?
Omaha is home to Berkshire Hathaway, several Fortune 500 companies, and a growing startup scene. This financial and business hub attracts educated workers and provides resources for school funding.
How does Nebraska compare to Iowa?
Nebraska (101.4) is close to Iowa (103.2). Both are Midwest agricultural states with strong education traditions, though Iowa's slightly higher ranking reflects its larger higher education system and older education investment tradition.
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.