Average IQ in Toronto (Canada): Estimates & Key Factors
Estimated Avg IQ
104
IQ Range
101–107
Region
Americas
Toronto is Canada's largest city and economic capital, home to the University of Toronto — one of the world's top 25 research universities — alongside York University and Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan University). The city is a major financial center and increasingly a significant technology hub, with a growing artificial intelligence research cluster anchored by the Vector Institute and the University of Toronto's machine learning research group that produced the foundational deep learning work of Geoffrey Hinton. Canada's points-based immigration system selects for highly educated immigrants, significantly elevating Toronto's resident population quality.
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 Toronto
- •University of Toronto ranks among the world's top 25 research universities
- •Leading global AI research hub (Vector Institute, Geoffrey Hinton's research)
- •Canada's points-based immigration system selects for highly educated immigrants
- •Major financial center with significant technology sector growth
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.
Toronto vs. Canada 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. Toronto's estimated average IQ of 104 reflects this urban premium above Canada's national average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Toronto?
Toronto's estimated average IQ is around 104, above Canada's national average of approximately 100. The city's world-class university, growing technology sector, and Canada's highly selective immigration system contribute to a well-educated resident population.
Why is Toronto an emerging AI research hub?
Toronto's AI research strength stems from the University of Toronto's deep learning research, particularly Geoffrey Hinton's foundational work. The Canadian government's pan-Canadian AI strategy provided further funding, attracting researchers and establishing the Vector Institute as a global AI research center.
How does Toronto compare to Vancouver and Montreal?
Toronto (104) scores slightly above Vancouver (103) and similarly to Montreal (103). All three Canadian cities benefit from points-based immigration and strong universities. Toronto's larger financial sector gives it a slight edge, while Montreal has a distinctive French-English bilingual educational tradition.
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.