Average IQ in Washington: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~103
US Ranking
#7
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 Washington's IQ Ranking
Washington state benefits enormously from Seattle's technology sector — Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and thousands of startups attract some of the world's most educated workers. The state ranks among the highest in STEM employment per capita. However, eastern Washington has significantly lower educational outcomes, and the state struggles with educational equity across its diverse population.
What Shapes Washington's Cognitive Profile
The McCleary decision of 2012, in which the state Supreme Court held Washington's school funding unconstitutional and eventually fined the legislature for noncompliance, reshaped education finances and produced billions in new K-12 spending. Even so, the state's cognitive profile owes much to importation: Washington produces far fewer computer science graduates than its tech sector hires, drawing the difference from other states and from visa holders concentrated in Redmond and South Lake Union. The University of Washington ranks among the top recipients of federal research dollars nationally, with particular strength in medicine and global health. East of the Cascades the picture differs sharply. The Yakima Valley's agricultural districts serve large English learner populations, and Spokane's economy runs on healthcare and services rather than software. Washington State University in Pullman anchors agricultural science research for the wheat country around it. Estimated averages for the Seattle metro alone would rival Massachusetts, while several eastern counties would fall below national norms.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Washington vs Other West States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | ~103 | #7 |
| Oregon | ~103 | #6 |
| 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 Washington state?
Washington's estimated average IQ is 102.9, ranking #7. Seattle's massive tech sector drives the high average, though significant east-west educational disparities exist.
Does Amazon's presence affect Washington's IQ average?
Indirectly, yes. Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing attract highly educated workers to the Seattle metro area, raising the state's overall educational profile and average cognitive test scores.
How does Washington compare to California?
Washington (102.9) ranks higher than California (101.5) despite being smaller. Washington's tech sector is more concentrated relative to its population, and California's vast size includes more low-income rural areas.
Explore Other States
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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.