Average IQ in Oregon: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~103
US Ranking
#6
of 50 states
Region
West
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 Oregon's IQ Ranking
Oregon ranks #6, benefiting from a well-educated population concentrated in the Portland metro area's technology and creative sectors. The state has a strong progressive education tradition and attracts educated workers from across the country. However, rural Oregon has significantly lower educational outcomes, creating an urban-rural divide similar to many western states.
What Shapes Oregon's Cognitive Profile
A paradox defines Oregon: adult educational attainment ranks well above average while the high school graduation rate has hovered near the bottom of all states for years. Migration explains most of it. Degree holders arrive from California and elsewhere for Portland's livability, while homegrown students contend with one of the shortest school years in the country and budgets constrained since 1990 by the Measure 5 property tax cap. Intel's campuses in Hillsboro constitute the company's largest concentration of employees anywhere, anchoring a semiconductor workforce of roughly 30,000 engineers and technicians in Washington County alone. Oregon Health and Science University drives biomedical research, and the University of Oregon and Oregon State split the flagship role between Eugene and Corvallis. East of the Cascades, counties like Malheur and Harney show attainment closer to rural Nevada than to Portland. Recent NAEP cycles have been weak, with some of the steepest pandemic-era declines recorded, so the estimated cognitive average leans heavily on imported talent.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Oregon vs Other West States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | ~103 | #6 |
| Washington | ~103 | #7 |
| Montana | ~103 | #7 |
| Colorado | ~103 | #11 |
| Wyoming | ~102 | #11 |
| California | ~102 | #14 |
| Idaho | ~101 | #15 |
| Utah | ~101 | #17 |
| Hawaii | ~99 | #25 |
| Alaska | ~99 | #30 |
| Arizona | ~97 | #38 |
| Nevada | ~97 | #40 |
| New Mexico | ~95 | #47 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Oregon?
Oregon's estimated average IQ is 103.4, ranking #6 nationally. Portland's tech-educated population drives the high average, though rural areas score lower.
Why does Oregon rank so high?
Portland's booming tech sector (Intel, Nike, numerous startups) attracts highly educated workers. The state also has a strong progressive education tradition and relatively high college graduation rates.
How does Oregon compare to Washington?
Oregon (103.4) and Washington (102.9) are close, both benefiting from Pacific Northwest tech economies. Washington has Seattle's stronger tech hub but also larger rural disparities.
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.