Average IQ in North Dakota
Average IQ
102.7
US Ranking
#10
of 50 states
Region
Midwest
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 North Dakota's IQ Ranking
North Dakota's strong ranking reflects Midwest educational values, low poverty, and an oil-boom economy that has increased state revenue for education. The state has small, community-oriented schools with high graduation rates. Fargo's growing tech and healthcare sectors attract educated workers.
What Shapes North Dakota's Cognitive Profile
Grand Forks built an aviation economy around the University of North Dakota's aerospace school, one of the largest collegiate flight training programs anywhere, and the region now hosts a federally designated drone test corridor anchored by the Grand Sky unmanned systems park. The Bakken boom carried an odd educational side effect: oilfield wages drew young men away from college during the 2010s, visibly denting enrollment, while the Legacy Fund banked billions in mineral revenue for future state budgets. Microsoft's Fargo campus, inherited through the Great Plains Software acquisition in 2001, gave the state an improbable software employment base that the NDSU research park reinforces. Reservation communities, including Standing Rock and Turtle Mountain, post outcomes far below state norms, the same equity gap running through every Plains state. NDSU's agricultural research underpins the durum wheat and pulse crop industries. The estimated average rides on full employment, small schools, and oil-funded budgets.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
North Dakota vs Other Midwest States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 102.7 | #10 |
| Minnesota | 103.7 | #5 |
| Iowa | 103.2 | #8 |
| Wisconsin | 102.9 | #10 |
| Nebraska | 101.4 | #15 |
| South Dakota | 101.4 | #15 |
| Kansas | 101.7 | #16 |
| Illinois | 100.1 | #22 |
| Ohio | 99.8 | #24 |
| Michigan | 99.4 | #25 |
| Missouri | 99.5 | #26 |
| Indiana | 99.3 | #27 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in North Dakota?
North Dakota's estimated average IQ is 102.7, ranking #10. Low poverty, strong community schools, and oil-revenue-funded education spending produce above-average results.
How has the oil boom affected North Dakota?
The Bakken oil boom dramatically increased state revenue, some of which has been directed to education. Higher wages also attracted workers from other states, changing the demographic profile.
How does North Dakota compare to South Dakota?
North Dakota (102.7) and South Dakota (101.4) are close, both benefiting from Midwest educational traditions. North Dakota's oil revenue gives it a slight funding advantage.
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.