Average IQ in New Hampshire: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~104
US Ranking
#2
of 50 states
Region
Northeast
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 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 |
| Massachusetts | ~104 | #1 |
| Vermont | ~104 | #3 |
| Connecticut | ~103 | #4 |
| Maine | ~103 | #6 |
| New Jersey | ~103 | #8 |
| Rhode Island | ~101 | #17 |
| New York | ~101 | #18 |
| Pennsylvania | ~101 | #20 |
| Delaware | ~100 | #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
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.