The Average IQ In North Dakota MIght Surprise You

People joke about North Dakota all the time. They say it's rural, the people talk weird, there's nothing to do, and of course, it's miserably cold here. People from other states don't think very highly of ours, and a lot of times, they don't think highly of the residents. Some think of us as simple and stupid just because we're from North Dakota.

Next time someone makes fun of North Dakota, be sure to tell them this. World Population Review did a ranking of each state's overall intelligence based on individuals' IQ scores.

North Dakota One of the Most Intelligent States in the Country

You read that right, North Dakotans are actually some of the smartest people in the country. The source says North Dakota ranks 3rd as a state with the highest IQs.

The top 5 states are as follows:

Massachusetts - 104.3

New Hampshire - 104.2

North Dakota - 103.8

Vermont - 103.8

Minnesota - 103.7

World Population Review reports the national average in 2026 was 100, so it appears North Dakota sits comfortably above the national benchmark.

So, what makes North Dakotans so smart? Maybe it's the long winters. While everyone else is out surfing, hiking, and lounging on the beach, we're stuck inside reading, studying, and problem-solving.

Maybe living in small towns actually works to our benefit. So many of us wear multiple hats as farmers, mechanics, accountants, and snow-removal experts—you have to be smart to master these many skills. Whatever it is, I feel like we are allowed to gloat and brag about this. I mean, I myself will not be doing this as I'm very far from qualifying as a Mensa candidate, but to all the smarty-pants in our state: shout it from the rooftops.

States with the Lowest IQs

The source says the following states need to do a little bit more studying.

Mississippi - 94.2

Louisiana - 95.3

California - 95.5

Hawaii - 95.6

New Mexico - 95.7

This is not to make fun of or hate on any of the lower-ranking states, because as we all know, intelligence comes in many forms.