Do folks in GA have high or low IQs on average? Here’s what new data shows

In what might be one of Georgia’s more dubious distinctions, the state has ranked as merely medium intelligent, compared to the rest of the US. It seems that Georgia residents are neither especially smart nor particularly dumb.

According to North American Community Hub Statistics (NCH) Georgia’s average IQ score of 98 ranks 40th in the nation, compared to the national average of 98, and World Population Review’s 2025 analysis suggests Georgia is near the middle of the pack when it comes to intelligence.

It’s important to note, however, the labels of “smart” or “dumb” are subjective and dependent on a diverse set of variables. To be fair, these labels mostly reflect the impact of opportunity, wealth and access and not inherent ability.

GA intelligence, in context

Georgia residents have an average IQ score of 98.0, slightly below the U.S. average of 100.3. This score reflects lower college graduation rates and lackluster standardized testing performance.

The lowered IQ averages and intelligence scores are a reflection of educational, economic and social disparities.

Lower-income states, especially in the South, often face educational funding challenges, fewer higher-education institutions and systemic inequality that shows up in averages.

IQ scores and classifications

Scores

IQ scores are built around a standard average of 100 and according to MedicineNet, are based on a combination of verbal and performance scales.

IQ tests focus on:

• Memory
• Mathematical skills
• Reasoning ability
• Processing speed
• Language, including vocabulary
• Visuospatial processing

Classifications

• Very superior: 130 and above
• Superior: 120-129
• High average: 110-119
• Average: 90-109 
• Low average: 80-89
• Borderline: 70-79
• Extremely low: 69 and below

How the rankings are calculated

The data that led to the rankings don’t really measure the actual intelligence of every citizen. Instead, it is a mix of factors that reflect things like education levels, test scores and learning performance

The intelligence score

The rankings are based on a combined intelligence score and to keep the results balanced, IQ scores count twice as much as the other factors in the final score.

This overall score measures four key factors:

• Average IQ
• SAT scores
• ACT scores 
• Percentage of college graduates in each state

The comparison adjustment

The scores are compared to the national median with positive numbers indicating a state performs above average, while negative numbers show it falls below.

“Smartest” and “dumbest” states

States with the highest IQ scores

• Massachusetts: 104.3
• New Hampshire: 104.2
• North Dakota: 103. 8
• Vermont: 103.8
• Minnesota: 103.7
• Maine: 103.4
• Montana: 103.4
• Iowa: 103.2
• Connecticut: 103.1
• Wisconsin: 102.9

States with the lowest IQ scores

• Mississippi: 94.2
• Louisiana: 95.3
• California: 95.5
• Hawaii: 95.6
• New Mexico: 95.7
• Alabama: 95.7
• Nevada: 96.5
• Arizona: 97.4
• Arkansas: 97.5
• Tennessee: 97.7

For all the Georgia residents feeling upset over the rankings, it’s important to remember that the results are socioeconomic snapshots, not commentaries on people’s intelligence.

In the end, it is just a reminder that intelligence is less about geography and more about access. Do these rankings surprise you? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.