Average IQ in Ohio: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~100
US Ranking
#24
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 Ohio's IQ Ranking
Ohio's near-average ranking reflects its position as a transitioning Rust Belt state. Columbus has emerged as a growing tech hub, and the state has strong universities (Ohio State, Case Western), but legacy industrial cities like Cleveland, Dayton, and Youngstown face economic challenges that affect educational outcomes. Ohio's large population and geographic diversity create wide variation in educational quality.
What Shapes Ohio's Cognitive Profile
Four times the Ohio Supreme Court declared the state's school funding system unconstitutional in the DeRolph cases, and four times the legislature declined a full overhaul, leaving property tax disparities largely intact. Intel's planned semiconductor fabs in New Albany, billed as among the largest private investments in state history, are forcing a rapid buildout of engineering and technician pipelines through Ohio State and Columbus State Community College. The third-grade reading guarantee, which can hold back struggling readers, anticipated similar laws elsewhere. Cleveland Clinic's research enterprise and Procter & Gamble's R&D operations in Cincinnati represent older cognitive anchors. Ohio also produced one of the nation's largest charter school failures, the online ECOT academy, which collapsed in 2018 owing the state millions for inflated enrollment counts. Youngstown and Dayton continue shedding population. NAEP results sit at or slightly above national averages, and the estimated cognitive average has held steadier through deindustrialization than the state's economic statistics would predict.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Ohio vs Other Midwest States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | ~100 | #24 |
| Minnesota | ~104 | #5 |
| Iowa | ~103 | #8 |
| Wisconsin | ~103 | #10 |
| North Dakota | ~103 | #10 |
| Nebraska | ~101 | #15 |
| South Dakota | ~101 | #15 |
| Kansas | ~102 | #16 |
| Illinois | ~100 | #22 |
| Michigan | ~99 | #25 |
| Missouri | ~100 | #26 |
| Indiana | ~99 | #27 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Ohio?
Ohio's estimated average IQ is 99.8, ranking #24 — essentially average. Columbus' growing economy lifts the average, while struggling former industrial cities pull it down.
Why has Ohio's ranking declined?
Manufacturing job losses over decades have depressed economic conditions in many Ohio communities, affecting educational investment and outcomes. However, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland's knowledge sectors are driving recovery.
How does Ohio compare to Michigan?
Ohio (99.8) and Michigan (99.4) are close, both reflecting the Rust Belt transition. Michigan has Ann Arbor's strong university presence, while Ohio has Columbus' growing tech economy.
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.