Average IQ in Seattle (United States): Estimates & Key Factors
Estimated Avg IQ
106
IQ Range
103–109
Region
Americas
Seattle is home to Amazon and Microsoft, two of the world's most valuable companies, as well as Boeing's engineering operations, creating an extraordinary concentration of technology and aerospace talent. The University of Washington is a top-15 research university in the US, particularly strong in computer science. Seattle's technology sector draws STEM graduates from across the country and world, and the H-1B visa workforce contributes a large proportion of highly educated engineers from India, China, and other countries. The city consistently ranks among the most educated major American cities by proportion of college graduates.
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 Seattle
- •Amazon and Microsoft headquarters create extraordinary technology talent concentration
- •University of Washington is a top-15 US research university in computer science
- •Boeing and aerospace engineering sector adds highly educated technical workforce
- •High H-1B visa technology workforce with STEM graduate degrees from top institutions
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.
Seattle vs. United States National Average
Cities typically score above national averages due to selection effects — highly educated and ambitious individuals tend to migrate toward economic and cultural capitals. Seattle's estimated average IQ of 106 reflects this urban premium above United States's national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Seattle?
Seattle's estimated average IQ is around 106, among the highest of any major American city. The combination of Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and the University of Washington creates an extraordinary concentration of STEM talent that rivals the Bay Area.
How has Amazon transformed Seattle?
Amazon's growth from a small bookseller to a global technology giant has transformed Seattle's economy and population. The company employs over 50,000 people in Seattle proper, predominantly engineers, scientists, and business professionals, significantly elevating the city's average educational attainment and income.
How does Seattle compare to San Francisco?
Seattle (106) scores slightly below San Francisco (107), primarily because the Bay Area's technology concentration is larger and includes more elite research universities in close proximity. However, Seattle's combination of Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing gives it comparable cognitive 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
Researchers in cognitive psychology, psychometrics & educational science
Last updated
May 10, 2026
All content on MyIQScores is reviewed for scientific accuracy against peer-reviewed research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics. Our editorial team cross-references each article with published literature before publication and updates pages whenever new research warrants a revision.