The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published an article titled “Updated IQ and Well-Being Scores for the 50 U.S. States” in March 2022, providing recent data on average IQ scores across the United States. This study offers insights into cognitive measures across different states, with scores ranging from the highest to the lowest. This article will focus the following slideshows on the states that, according to this NIH data, have the lowest average IQ scores in the country.
It’s important to note that IQ scores are just one measure of cognitive ability and do not represent the full spectrum of intelligence or potential within a state. Many factors can influence these scores, including educational resources, socioeconomic conditions, and demographics. The states presented in this slideshow rank from 40th to 50th in average IQ scores among all U.S. states, with scores ranging from 98.1 to 95.0.
Georgia
Average IQ Score: 98.1
As per the NIH report, Georgia ranks 40th among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 98.1. This score places Georgia in the lower quartile of states in terms of average IQ. The state faces challenges in its education system, which may contribute to this ranking. Georgia has been working to improve its schools and increase funding for education programs. Despite these efforts, factors like poverty and limited access to resources in some areas continue to impact educational outcomes.
South Carolina
Average IQ Score: 97.8
South Carolina is at the 41st position among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 97.8. South Carolina has struggled with low average IQ scores for many years. The state has faced challenges with poverty, particularly in rural areas, which can impact educational outcomes. South Carolina has made efforts to improve its education system, including expanding access to early childhood education. However, progress has been slow, and the state continues to rank low in national education rankings.
Texas
Average IQ score: 97.4
Texas ranks 42nd among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 97.4. Texas is another state that falls in the lower range of average IQ scores nationwide. The state’s large and diverse population presents unique educational challenges. Texas has been implementing various initiatives to boost academic performance and critical thinking skills among students. However, issues like uneven resource distribution across school districts and high dropout rates in some areas remain concerns.
West Virginia
Average IQ score: 97.2
West Virginia is ranked 43rd among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 97.2. The state consistently ranks near the bottom in terms of average IQ scores among U.S. states. Its rural nature and economic struggles have had a significant impact on educational opportunities. It faces challenges such as limited access to advanced educational programs and a shortage of qualified teachers in some areas. The state government has been working on strategies to improve educational outcomes, but progress has been slow.
Arkansas
Average IQ score: 97.1
Arkansas holds the 44th position among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 97.1. The state has a high poverty rate, which often correlates with lower educational attainment. Arkansas has been investing in early childhood education and literacy programs to address these issues. Despite these efforts, the state continues to face challenges in improving overall academic performance and critical thinking skills among its residents.
California
Average IQ score: 97.1
California ranks 45th among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 97.1. Despite being known for its tech industry, California has surprisingly low average IQ scores. This may be due to the state’s large and diverse population, including many English language learners. California’s education system has faced challenges with overcrowded schools and funding inequities between districts. The state has been working to address these issues, but progress has been slow due to the sheer size and complexity of its education system.
Nevada
Average IQ score: 96.6
Nevada holds the 46th position among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 96.6. This places Nevada near the bottom of the list in terms of average IQ scores. The state’s education system has faced challenges with overcrowded classrooms and high student-to-teacher ratios. Nevada has a diverse population, including many English language learners, which can impact overall test scores. The state has been working to improve its education system, but there has been slow progress due to funding issues and rapid population growth.
Alabama
Average IQ score: 96.4
Alabama ranks 47th among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 96.4. This positions Alabama in the lower range of states in terms of average IQ scores. It ranks low in average IQ scores compared to other states. It has historically struggled with issues of poverty and inadequate school funding. Alabama has made efforts to improve its education system, including implementing a statewide pre-K program. Despite these initiatives, the state still faces challenges in raising overall academic performance and test scores.
Mississippi
Average IQ score: 95.8
Mississippi holds the 48th position among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 95.8. It consistently ranks at the bottom of U.S. states for average IQ scores. The state faces challenges with high poverty rates and underfunded schools, which can impact educational outcomes. Mississippi has been working to improve its education system, including expanding early childhood education programs. Despite these efforts, the state continues to struggle with low test scores across various measures of academic achievement.
Louisiana
Average IQ score: 95.2
Louisiana ranks 49th among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 95.2. This places Louisiana second to last in terms of average IQ scores among U.S. states. Its average IQ scores are among the lowest in the nation. The state has a high rate of poverty, which is often connected with lower educational attainment. Louisiana’s education system has faced criticism for underfunding and low teacher salaries. However, recent initiatives to improve early childhood education and increase school funding may help boost academic performance in the future.
New Mexico
Average IQ score: 95.0
New Mexico holds the 50th position among U.S. states with an average IQ score of 95.0. It faces significant challenges with poverty, particularly in rural and Native American communities. New Mexico’s education system has struggled with low graduation rates and poor performance on standardized tests. The state has been implementing reforms to improve education outcomes, but progress has been hindered by budget constraints and socioeconomic factors.
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