Average IQ in Madrid (Spain): Estimates & Key Factors
Estimated Avg IQ
99
IQ Range
96–102
Region
Europe
Madrid is Spain's capital and the country's dominant economic and educational center, home to Complutense University of Madrid, one of the largest universities in the world by enrollment. The city concentrates Spain's most educated professionals in finance, government, law, and media. While Spain's national PISA scores are below the European average, Madrid performs above the national average due to urban selection effects and higher investment in education. The city's growing technology sector, sometimes called the Silicon Alley of Southern Europe, has attracted an increasingly educated young professional class.
Important note: City-level IQ estimates are especially approximate. They reflect selection effects — cities attract educated, ambitious migrants — as well as local education quality, economic conditions, and available data. These figures do not reflect the intelligence or potential of any individual resident. For context on what IQ scores measure, see our guide to IQ.
Key Factors Shaping IQ in Madrid
- •Complutense University, one of Europe's largest, is headquartered here
- •National capital concentrating Spain's government, legal, and financial elite
- •Growing technology startup ecosystem attracting young educated professionals
- •Urban selection effects from national migration of ambitious workers
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.
Madrid vs. Spain National Average
Madrid's estimate of ~99 sits above Spain's national estimate of ~97, consistent with the selection effects large cities often show — educated, ambitious people migrating toward economic and cultural capitals.
Where This Number Comes From
No comprehensive IQ survey exists for Madrid — or for almost any city. The figure above is an extrapolation: it starts from national-level estimates (compiled cross-national datasets such as Lynn & Vanhanen's, alongside PISA and TIMSS assessment data), then adjusts for the city's educational attainment and economic composition. Those national compilations are themselves debated in the academic literature, and a city-level extrapolation inherits all of that uncertainty and adds more. Treat the range shown above as an illustrative band, not a measured confidence interval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Madrid?
Madrid's estimated average IQ is around 99, above Spain's national average of approximately 97. The city's role as national capital concentrates Spain's most educated professionals and benefits from stronger investment in education than the national average.
How is Madrid's technology sector developing?
Madrid's technology sector has grown significantly, with major companies including Indra and Amadeus headquartered there, alongside a growing startup scene. The city's relatively low costs compared to London or Paris, large talent pool, and improving digital infrastructure make it increasingly attractive to tech companies.
How does Madrid compare to Barcelona?
Madrid and Barcelona score very similarly. Barcelona may have a slight edge due to its stronger technology and design sectors, while Madrid's dominance in finance and government provides equivalent cognitive selection effects. Both cities significantly outperform the Spanish national average.
Explore More Cities
See all cities on our Average IQ by City page, or take our free IQ test to see how you compare.
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.