Average IQ in Vermont
Average IQ
103.8
US Ranking
#3
of 50 states
Region
Northeast
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 Vermont's IQ Ranking
Vermont's #3 ranking reflects its small, well-educated population and strong commitment to public education. The state has some of the smallest class sizes in the nation and high per-pupil spending. Vermont's rural character means fewer large urban school districts with concentrated poverty, contributing to more equitable educational outcomes across the state.
What Shapes Vermont's Cognitive Profile
Enrollment decline shapes Vermont's educational landscape more than any single policy. The state has lost thousands of K-12 students since the late 1990s, prompting the Act 46 consolidation law that merged scores of tiny districts into larger units. Per-student costs rank among the highest in the nation partly because so many schools serve so few children. The University of Vermont has shifted toward recruiting out-of-state students, who now make up most of its enrollment, while Middlebury and Bennington sustain a liberal arts tradition disproportionate to the state's size. Burlington's small tech scene, seeded by IBM's former Essex Junction plant and now operated by GlobalFoundries, gives Chittenden County a concentration of semiconductor engineers unusual for northern New England. Remote worker incentive payments introduced in 2018 brought a modest stream of educated transplants. NAEP scores remain above national averages but have drifted downward over the past decade, suggesting the estimated cognitive advantage rests on favorable demographics as much as on school quality itself.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Vermont vs Other Northeast States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 103.8 | #3 |
| Massachusetts | 104.3 | #1 |
| New Hampshire | 104.2 | #2 |
| Connecticut | 103.1 | #4 |
| Maine | 103.4 | #6 |
| New Jersey | 102.8 | #8 |
| Rhode Island | 101 | #17 |
| New York | 100.7 | #18 |
| Pennsylvania | 100.5 | #20 |
| Delaware | 99.8 | #24 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Vermont?
Vermont's estimated average IQ is 103.8, ranking #3 in the US. The state benefits from small class sizes, high per-pupil education spending, and a well-educated population.
Why does Vermont score so high despite being rural?
Vermont's rural character actually benefits its IQ scores — smaller schools mean lower student-teacher ratios, and the state lacks the concentrated urban poverty that depresses scores in other states. High education funding and a culture that values learning also help.
How does Vermont compare to nearby states?
Vermont (103.8) ranks just behind Massachusetts (104.3) and New Hampshire (104.2). The entire New England region performs well due to shared educational values and strong public school systems.
Explore Other States
Take our free IQ test to see how you compare, or learn what IQ actually measures.
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.