Average IQ in Utah: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~101
US Ranking
#17
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 Utah's IQ Ranking
Utah's above-average ranking is notable given the state's low per-pupil spending — among the lowest nationally due to large family sizes creating more students per taxpayer. Utah compensates with high parental involvement (influenced by LDS/Mormon church culture), strong community networks, and a tech sector ('Silicon Slopes') that attracts educated workers. The state demonstrates that spending isn't the only determinant of educational outcomes.
What Shapes Utah's Cognitive Profile
Demography drives everything in Utah education: decades of the nation's highest birth rate produced the most students per taxpayer and the largest class sizes, yet outcomes stay above average, a combination economists study because it breaks the usual spending-results correlation. Returned missionaries give the workforce an unusual stock of second-language fluency, which firms cite when locating operations along the Wasatch Front and which feeds Provo's language training ecosystem. Research on intergenerational mobility by Raj Chetty's team found Salt Lake City among the best large US metros for poor children's upward climb. BYU and the University of Utah both seed startups at high rates, and the U's genetics research benefits from genealogical databases unmatched anywhere in the world. Fintech and software employment has diversified well beyond the original Silicon Slopes branding. Female college completion historically lagged male rates, a gap now closing. The estimated average rests on social cohesion and youth rather than on money.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Utah vs Other West States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | ~101 | #17 |
| Oregon | ~103 | #6 |
| Washington | ~103 | #7 |
| Montana | ~103 | #7 |
| Colorado | ~103 | #11 |
| Wyoming | ~102 | #11 |
| California | ~102 | #14 |
| Idaho | ~101 | #15 |
| 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 Utah?
Utah's estimated average IQ is 101.1, ranking #17 despite having some of the lowest per-pupil education spending in the nation. Strong family and community involvement compensate for lower spending.
How does Utah score well with low spending?
Utah's culture emphasizes family involvement in education, has strong community networks (partly through LDS church organization), low poverty rates, and a growing tech economy. This demonstrates that spending is one factor among many in educational outcomes.
How does Utah compare to Colorado?
Colorado (102.5) outranks Utah (101.1). Colorado spends more per student and has more established tech and university sectors, though Utah's 'Silicon Slopes' growth is rapidly closing the gap.
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.