Average IQ in Wyoming
Average IQ
102.4
US Ranking
#11
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 Wyoming's IQ Ranking
Wyoming ranks above average thanks to mineral-revenue-funded schools, very small class sizes, and a culture of self-reliance. The state has some of the highest per-pupil education spending in the nation, funded largely by oil, gas, and mineral extraction taxes. With the smallest population of any state, Wyoming's schools are often small and community-oriented.
What Shapes Wyoming's Cognitive Profile
One university serves the entire state: the University of Wyoming in Laramie is the only public four-year institution, and the Hathaway Scholarship, endowed with mineral money, covers most tuition for qualifying graduates who stay. NAEP fourth grade results have ranked among the best in the country in recent cycles, an outcome consistent with tiny class sizes and stable funding. The risk is structural, since coal production has fallen by nearly half from its peak, threatening the extraction revenue that makes the generous per-pupil spending possible. TerraPower's Natrium nuclear plant under construction in Kemmerer, backed by Bill Gates, represents a deliberate attempt to convert energy decline into engineering employment. Trona mining near Green River supplies most of the world's soda ash, sustaining a small skilled industrial base. With no large city anywhere in the state, graduates seeking professional careers usually leave for Denver or Salt Lake City. The estimated average is solid; retaining the people who produce it is the harder problem.
For global context, see how the US compares in our United States IQ page and the full country rankings.
Wyoming vs Other West States
| State | Average IQ | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 102.4 | #11 |
| Oregon | 103.4 | #6 |
| Washington | 102.9 | #7 |
| Montana | 103.4 | #7 |
| Colorado | 102.5 | #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 Wyoming?
Wyoming's estimated average IQ is 102.4, ranking #11. High per-pupil spending funded by mineral revenues and extremely small class sizes produce above-average outcomes.
How does Wyoming fund education so well?
Wyoming's mineral extraction taxes (oil, gas, coal) fund one of the nation's highest per-pupil education budgets. This allows the smallest-population state to maintain well-resourced schools despite having no income tax.
How does Wyoming compare to Montana?
Wyoming (102.4) and Montana (103.4) are close, both benefiting from small populations, community schools, and natural resource revenue. Montana ranks slightly higher with more diversified economic growth.
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.