Average IQ in Wyoming: Estimates & Context
Estimated Avg IQ
~102
US Ranking
#11
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 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 | #11 |
| Oregon | ~103 | #6 |
| Washington | ~103 | #7 |
| Montana | ~103 | #7 |
| Colorado | ~103 | #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 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
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.