Average IQ in Washington
Average IQ
102.9
US Ranking
#7
of 50 states
Region
West
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 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 | 102.9 | #7 |
| Oregon | 103.4 | #6 |
| Montana | 103.4 | #7 |
| Colorado | 102.5 | #11 |
| Wyoming | 102.4 | #11 |
| California | 101.5 | #14 |
| Idaho | 101.4 | #15 |
| Utah | 101.1 | #17 |
| Hawaii | 99.4 | #25 |
| Alaska | 99 | #30 |
| Arizona | 97.4 | #38 |
| Nevada | 96.5 | #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
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.