Average IQ in Virginia: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~102
US Ranking
#9
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 Virginia's IQ Ranking
Virginia is the South's top performer, driven by Northern Virginia's proximity to Washington DC and its concentration of government contractors, tech companies, and military installations. Fairfax County consistently ranks among the nation's best school districts. However, rural Virginia and Appalachian communities have significantly lower educational outcomes, creating one of the country's sharpest urban-rural divides.
What Shapes Virginia's Cognitive Profile
Security clearances are an underappreciated force in Virginia's cognitive geography. Defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and the Pentagon's orbit concentrate cleared analysts, linguists, and engineers in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax, while Loudoun County's data center corridor now routes a large share of the world's internet traffic through facilities demanding skilled technical staff. Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology regularly tops national high school rankings. Beyond NoVA, the University of Virginia and William & Mary sustain a public ivy tradition, and Virginia Tech's engineering programs feed both the defense sector and its new Innovation Campus near Amazon's HQ2 in Arlington. The contrast with the southwest is stark: coalfield counties like Buchanan and Dickenson post bachelor's attainment under 15 percent, roughly a quarter of the NoVA figure. Hampton Roads adds a distinct military-technical cluster around shipbuilding in Newport News. Estimated regional averages probably span a wider range inside Virginia than inside any other Southern state.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Virginia vs Other South States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | ~102 | #9 |
| Maryland | ~102 | #12 |
| Texas | ~100 | #26 |
| 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 Virginia?
Virginia's estimated average IQ is 101.9, ranking #9 nationally and #1 in the South. Northern Virginia's proximity to DC and its tech corridor drive the high average.
Why does Virginia outperform other Southern states?
Northern Virginia (NoVA) functions as an extension of the DC metropolitan area, with a highly educated population working in government, defense, and technology. Fairfax County is among the nation's wealthiest and best-educated counties.
How does Virginia compare to other Southern states?
Virginia (101.9) significantly outperforms most Southern states. The next highest Southern states are typically North Carolina and Georgia, both around 98-99, reflecting Virginia's unique DC corridor advantage.
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.