Average IQ in New Hampshire
Average IQ
104.2
US Ranking
#2
of 50 states
Region
Northeast
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 New Hampshire's IQ Ranking
New Hampshire ranks #2 in average IQ, benefiting from a well-funded education system, low poverty rates, and proximity to Boston's knowledge economy. The state has excellent public schools, high graduation rates, and a population that values self-reliance and education. New Hampshire's relatively homogeneous population and high median income contribute to consistently strong educational outcomes.
What Shapes New Hampshire's Cognitive Profile
School finance in New Hampshire works differently than almost anywhere else: with no broad income or sales tax, districts lean heavily on local property taxes, a structure the state Supreme Court ruled inadequate in the Claremont decisions of the 1990s and that litigation continues to test today. Despite the unusual financing, NAEP results stay in the top tier, helped by a southern corridor where Nashua, Manchester, and Salem absorb Boston professionals seeking lower taxes and larger homes. Dartmouth College anchors research activity in the Upper Valley, and BAE Systems gives the state an outsized defense engineering footprint for its size. The demographic picture cuts both ways. New Hampshire has one of the oldest median ages in the country, and many University of New Hampshire graduates leave for Boston after commencement, yet steady in-migration of established professionals more than offsets the loss. Estimated cognitive averages in the northern Coos County mill towns trail the I-93 corridor by a visible margin, the state's quietest divide.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
New Hampshire vs Other Northeast States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| Vermont | 103.8 | #3 |
| Connecticut | 103.1 | #4 |
| Maine | 103.4 | #6 |
| New Jersey | 102.8 | #8 |
| Rhode Island | 101 | #17 |
| New York | 100.7 | #18 |
| Pennsylvania | 100.5 | #20 |
| Delaware | 99.8 | #24 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's estimated average IQ is 104.2, ranking #2 nationally. The state benefits from well-funded schools, low poverty, and a highly educated population.
Why does New Hampshire rank so high?
New Hampshire combines high education spending, low poverty rates, strong public schools, and proximity to New England's academic ecosystem. The state's high median income supports educational achievement.
How does New Hampshire compare to Massachusetts?
New Hampshire (104.2) is virtually tied with Massachusetts (104.3). Both benefit from the Northeast's strong education culture, though Massachusetts has more elite universities.
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.