Average IQ in Mexico: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
87
Global Ranking
#106
out of ~199 countries
Region
North America
Important note: National average IQ scores are estimates based on limited sample sizes and vary across studies. These figures are heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors, access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and testing conditions. They do not reflect the intelligence or potential of any individual from that country. IQ scores measure specific cognitive skills and should be interpreted within their proper scientific context.
Education System in Mexico
Mexico has achieved near-universal primary education and has significantly expanded secondary and tertiary access in recent decades. UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) is one of Latin America's most prestigious institutions. However, education quality varies enormously between urban centers and rural/Indigenous communities. Mexico's 2013 education reform aimed to improve teacher quality and accountability, though implementation has been politically contentious. PISA scores remain well below the OECD average.
To understand what IQ scores measure and how they're calculated, see our guide on what IQ is. For a breakdown of what different score levels mean, visit our IQ score ranges page.
Mexico Compared to North America
Here is how Mexico compares to other countries in North America that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 87 | #106 |
| Canada | 99 | #22 |
| United States | 98 | #29 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Mexico:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 87 | #105 | South America |
| Philippines | 86 | #111 | Southeast Asia |
| UAE | 86 | #112 | Middle East |
Understanding IQ Distribution
It's crucial to remember that national averages represent the middle of a wide distribution. Within every country, individual IQ scores span the full range from below 70 to above 130 and beyond. A country with an average IQ of 87 will have many individuals scoring well above and below that number. Factors like socioeconomic status, nutrition, education quality, and access to healthcare play significant roles in cognitive development and test performance.
The Flynn Effect — the observation that IQ scores have risen substantially over time in many countries — suggests that environmental improvements like better nutrition, healthcare, and education access can significantly impact cognitive test performance at the population level. Many developing nations are experiencing rapid improvements in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Mexico?
Mexico's average IQ is estimated at 87, ranking #106 globally. This score reflects the country's significant urban-rural education divide and ongoing challenges in education quality.
What are Mexico's main education challenges?
Mexico faces large quality gaps between urban and rural schools, teacher quality variation, limited resources in Indigenous communities, and high dropout rates at the secondary level. The country has implemented major reforms but faces political resistance to accountability measures.
How does Mexico compare to the United States?
Mexico (87) scores below the United States (98). The 11-point gap reflects differences in educational infrastructure, per-student spending, healthcare access, and economic development, though some Mexican states perform comparably to lower-performing US states.
Explore More Countries
See the full list of all countries on our Average IQ by Country page, or take our free IQ test to see how you compare.