Average IQ in Texas: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~100
US Ranking
#26
of 50 states
Region
South
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 Texas's IQ Ranking
Texas ranks near the national average despite its massive size and diversity. The state's booming economy in technology (Austin), energy (Houston), finance (Dallas), and defense (San Antonio) attracts educated workers from across the country. However, Texas has wide educational disparities, particularly along the border region and in rural communities. The state's rapid population growth through immigration creates demographic complexity.
What Shapes Texas's Cognitive Profile
The Permanent University Fund, fed by oil royalties from West Texas lands, has made the UT and A&M systems two of the wealthiest public university networks in the world, with endowment resources rivaling the Ivy League. The top ten percent rule guarantees state university admission to leading graduates of every Texas high school, a policy that spreads access across rural and urban districts alike. Demographically adjusted NAEP comparisons often show Texas students, particularly Hispanic students, outperforming peers in higher-spending states, a pattern education economists have noted for years. Samsung's fab in Taylor and Texas Instruments' expansion in Sherman are deepening semiconductor engineering demand beyond the Austin software cluster. The Robin Hood recapture system forces property-wealthy districts to share revenue statewide, generating perpetual political conflict. Border districts in the Rio Grande Valley have improved measurably, with networks like IDEA Public Schools drawing national attention. The estimated average likely understates the trajectory of a state still gaining educated migrants.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Texas vs Other South States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | ~100 | #26 |
| Virginia | ~102 | #9 |
| Maryland | ~102 | #12 |
| North Carolina | ~99 | #28 |
| Florida | ~98 | #32 |
| Georgia | ~98 | #35 |
| Tennessee | ~97 | #39 |
| Oklahoma | ~97 | #39 |
| South Carolina | ~96 | #41 |
| Kentucky | ~96 | #42 |
| Alabama | ~96 | #43 |
| West Virginia | ~96 | #44 |
| Louisiana | ~95 | #45 |
| Arkansas | ~95 | #46 |
| Mississippi | ~94 | #50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Texas?
Texas' estimated average IQ is 99.6, ranking #26 nationally. The state's booming metro areas attract educated workers, while rural and border communities have lower educational outcomes.
Is Texas' IQ improving?
Texas' educational metrics have been improving as its tech sector grows (particularly in Austin and Dallas) and in-migration brings educated workers. The state's investment in universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M is also paying dividends.
How does Texas compare to California?
California (101.5) outranks Texas (99.6), though the gap has been narrowing. Both are large, diverse states with world-class universities and significant internal inequality.
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.