These Are the Top Smartest States in the U.S.

Education and intelligence go hand in hand, and they both serve as key drivers of growth in a country’s economy.

This is why the U.S. spends hundreds of billions of dollars on public education each year in an effort to advance the quality of its academic infrastructure.

But some states seem to be doing better than others in producing smarter citizens. No doubt, the presence of private institutes, higher income levels, and many other factors have contributed to this.

Whatever the reasons, living among the smartest could have an obvious ripple effect in transferring opportunities and elevating skills. It can, for example, motivate you to study or work harder, challenge conventional thinking, and become more creative.

So, where do the smartest people among us live? Let’s find out.

The Smartest States in the U.S.

A study by UTS Online has assessed the intellectual capabilities of Americans in a bid to reveal the smartest states in the United States.

It looked at ten criteria — average IQ, literacy, numeracy, SAT score, ACT score, high school graduation percentage, college graduation rate, NAEP score, share of ACPSA or State Value Added for Arts and Culture Production, and per capita colleges. IQ, SAT and ACT scores, and college graduate percentage were given a greater weightage among these.

So, which states topped the chart with some impressive scores?

1. Massachusetts

With an intelligence score of 81.63, Massachusetts is ranked as the smartest state in the country. It outranked others in IQ, graduation rate, and the combined average score for ACT and SAT.

A staggering 42.1% of the state’s residents have a Bachelor’s degree and 32.4% have graduate or professional degrees.

This is hardly a surprise when you consider the local academic infrastructure. Massachusetts has more than 200 technical schools, colleges, and universities.

Harvard University, MIT, and Boston University are among the most celebrated American educational institutes.

The state also spends significantly more than the national average on its students. Its public elementary and secondary school spending per student in 2023 amounted to $22,348.

Massachusetts’ public education system currently consists of 29 campuses, including 9 state universities and 15 community colleges.

2. New Hampshire

When it comes to literacy and numeracy, no one could beat New Hampshire.

And the state is placed second for average IQ, only 0.1 points behind Massachusetts.

New Hampshire’s ACT scores are pretty high, too, with its median ACT score being the second-highest in the U.S. No wonder it closely follows Massachusetts in the smartest states list, claiming a total score of 79.52.

There are several factors contributing to the state’s academic success. Based on a WalletHub study, New Hampshire ranks among the top 10 states with the highest quality public school systems. And its student-to-teacher ratio is the fifth lowest in the country.

New Hampshire residents’ focus on education and impressive academic performance is likely influenced by the strong local economy, too.

Its median household income is $88,235, which places it third in the United States. Moreover, New Hampshire has the lowest poverty rates and ranks number one for economic security.

3. Minnesota

23.89% of adults in Minnesota have a high school diploma, while 24.55% have a Bachelor’s degree.

Students there do well in national exams, too, particularly in math. Minnesota regularly appears among the leading states for SAT, with the average SAT score hovering around 1284.

Overall, the state ranks second for numeracy and fourth for literacy, average IQ, and high school graduate rates. All these have given it a combined score of 78.39, placing it third in the country’s smartest states list.

And what does the state’s education system look like?

Minnesota has around 200 higher education institutes. This includes the University of Minnesota, of which the Twin Cities campus is the ninth largest in the U.S. when it comes to enrollments. The state is also among the top 20 with the best school systems.

4. Vermont

Vermont isn’t just known for mountainous greenery. According to data, it’s home to some of the smartest people in the country.

The state’s average score for intelligence stands at 75.60. Apart from excellent numeracy and literacy rates, this state has a large number of high school graduates, comprising 93.3% of the population. This has placed it in the third position for high school graduations.

As for college graduation rates, Vermont ranks sixth. And what about IQ? The state’s residents have scored an average of 103.8, placing them third behind Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and North Dakota (which shares second place with New Hampshire).

The state’s spending on education and academic infrastructure undoubtedly has had an impact on its residents.

In 2023, its elementary and secondary school expenditure amounted to $23,423 per student. This is the fourth highest in the U.S. and is well above most other states.

5. Washington

A total score of 73.97 places Washington fifth among the smartest U.S. states.

Its residents do well in SAT and ACT exams and claim an average IQ of 101.9. And when it comes to higher education, 23.07% of the population has a Bachelor’s degree.

Washington considers education a priority and acknowledges its impact on economic growth. In 2024, the state spent $18,401 per student on its elementary and secondary school system.

And it has produced some excellent public universities, too, including the University of Washington — one of the highest spenders on research and development among U.S. education institutes.

With over 300 private and public career schools, colleges, and universities, Washington has one of the highest concentrations of per capita colleges.

Summing Up

According to a recent study, certain states are smarter than others.

Data shows that Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington have the smartest populations. These states have some of the highest scores for IQ, literacy, numeracy, SAT, and ACT. A significant portion of their residents also boast professional and advanced degrees.

So, for anyone looking to up their game, benefit from a top-class education, and study or work among the smartest, these are the states to consider.

Living among those with high intellect could push you to think differently, be creative, learn new things, and challenge yourself. It could open up new opportunities, both in your personal and work lives.

Therefore, if you ever get to live in one of the smartest states in the U.S., network as much as possible. Attend personal and professional networking events, and make an effort to meet and get to know new people. Find their social media profiles on Nuwber, and connect with them online. Nurture those relationships offline, too.

Never underestimate the value of surrounding yourself with smart people!

FAQ

What makes Massachusetts the smartest state in America?

Massachusetts is known for a strong education network with over 200 higher education institutes.

Among them are MIT, Harvard University, Boston University, Amherst College, and several others, which consistently rank high nationally.

And when it comes to Bachelor’s degree holders, the state has the highest concentration of graduates in the U.S. It also has over 30% professional and advanced degree holders.

What do the smartest U.S. states have in common?

Ranking high for intelligence is no coincidence.

Many “smartest states” studies use a combination of criteria, such as IQ, SAT and ACT test scores, and the percentage of graduates, when assessing states. And the ones that rank high have created the right environment to deliver good-quality education and churn out more graduates with degrees and professional qualifications.

For instance, the smartest states have some of the best curriculums, class structures, and education institutes in America. They also have a high number of high schools, colleges, and universities.

Which states have the lowest IQ?

Mississippi has the lowest average IQ, based on data from the World Population Review. It’s followed by Nevada, Louisiana, California, and Hawaii.

But make no mistake; These states only rank at the bottom compared to others. When you consider each state individually, they still have significantly high IQ levels, with Mississippi scoring 94.2.

The Penn Stakes ranking, on the other hand, considers several factors, including national exam scores and graduation rates, to assess the smartest states. According to it, West Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Nevada, and New Mexico have the lowest scores.

How do socioeconomic factors influence the rankings of smart states?

Socioeconomic factors, such as income levels, poverty rates, and access to resources, can influence educational outcomes and cognitive measures. States with higher income levels and lower poverty rates often have better-funded schools and more access to educational resources, which can contribute to higher rankings.

How can living in a smart state benefit me?

Living in a state with a high concentration of educated individuals can offer several benefits, such as exposure to diverse ideas, enhanced networking opportunities, and a stimulating environment that fosters personal and professional growth. It may also provide access to high-quality educational and career opportunities.

Living in some of the smartest states could especially benefit students, as American college education is generally well-regarded internationally.

Related Posts