Average IQ in Rome (Italy): Estimates & Key Factors
Estimated Avg IQ
97
IQ Range
94–100
Region
Europe
Rome is Italy's capital and a city of extraordinary historical and cultural significance, housing the national government, the Vatican, and numerous research institutions. Sapienza University of Rome is one of Europe's largest universities by enrollment. However, Italy's national PISA scores are below the European average, and Rome's cognitive profile reflects this. The city benefits from urban selection effects as the seat of the national government and home to major media and cultural institutions, but less so from a technology or finance sector than Milan, Italy's economic capital.
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 Rome
- •Sapienza University of Rome is one of Europe's largest universities
- •National government and public administration concentrate educated professionals
- •Vatican institutions and cultural organizations add an educated resident population
- •Urban selection effect from serving as national capital
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.
Rome vs. Italy National Average
Rome's estimate of ~97 is essentially identical to Italy's national estimate — not every major city shows the selection-driven "urban premium" observed elsewhere.
Where This Number Comes From
No comprehensive IQ survey exists for Rome — 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 Rome?
Rome's estimated average IQ is around 97, above Italy's national average of approximately 97. As the national capital, Rome concentrates government professionals and university students, though it lacks Milan's strong financial and manufacturing sectors.
How does Rome compare to Milan within Italy?
Milan likely scores slightly higher than Rome within Italy due to its role as Italy's economic capital, concentration of the fashion and finance sectors, and higher average incomes. Rome's strength lies in government, law, and cultural institutions.
How does Rome compare to other Southern European capitals like Madrid?
Rome (97) scores slightly below Madrid (99), reflecting Italy's somewhat lower national average and Rome's less developed technology sector compared to Spain's capital. Both cities significantly outperform their respective national averages through urban selection effects.
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.