Average IQ in Mexico City (Mexico): Estimates & Key Factors
Estimated Avg IQ
90
IQ Range
87–93
Region
Americas
Mexico City is one of the world's great megacities and Latin America's most populous urban area, serving as the economic, political, and cultural capital of Mexico. The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is among Latin America's top universities and enrolls over 350,000 students. Mexico City's urban premium over the national average is substantial — the capital concentrates Mexico's most educated professionals in government, finance, media, and manufacturing. However, the city's scale and the persistence of large informal settlement populations temper the overall average despite the large educated 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 Mexico City
- •UNAM is among Latin America's most prestigious universities with over 350,000 students
- •National capital concentrating Mexico's government and professional elite
- •Media and cultural industries headquartered in the city requiring educated workforce
- •Substantial urban-national gap from concentration of Mexico's educated professionals
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 City vs. Mexico National Average
Mexico City's estimate of ~90 sits above Mexico's national estimate of ~87, 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 Mexico City — 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 Mexico City?
Mexico City's estimated average IQ is around 90, above Mexico's national average of approximately 88. Despite the large informal settlement population that moderates the average, the capital's concentration of educated professionals, universities, and government institutions creates a meaningful urban premium.
How does UNAM compare to other Latin American universities?
UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) consistently ranks in the top 100–150 globally and is among the top 3 in Latin America alongside USP (Brazil) and UBA (Argentina). Its sheer enrollment of over 350,000 students makes it one of the largest universities in the world.
How does Mexico City compare to São Paulo and Buenos Aires?
Mexico City scores similarly to São Paulo (90) and slightly below Buenos Aires (91). All three are the dominant economic capitals of their respective countries and share the challenge of very high inequality between educated professional populations and large informal settlement communities.
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.