Top 15 Smartest States in the U.S.

When it comes to the smartest states, it is not just about intelligence. It’s about how well a state excels in areas such as education, innovation, and the intellectual growth of its residents. These states are recognized for their high academic achievements and their commitment to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional development.

According to the World Population Review, here is the list of the smartest states in the U.S.

Massachusetts

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Massachusetts tops the list of smartest states with a score of 93.9. Home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, the state boasts a high-quality education system. With the highest average I.Q. of 104.3 and almost 46 percent of its population holding bachelor’s degrees, it stands out as one of the most educated states in the U.S.

Connecticut

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Connecticut ranks as the second-smartest state in the United States, scoring 73.8. The average I.Q. score of the state is 103.1, and nearly 40 percent of individuals over the age of 25 hold bachelor’s degrees, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Connecticut is also the third most educated state, boasting 38 colleges and universities, including the esteemed Yale University.

Maryland

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Maryland scores 72.8 in the smartest states list, with an average I.Q. score of 99.7. The state is known for its high concentration of research institutions and a robust education system. Over 22 percent of residents aged 25 years or older hold a bachelor’s degree in the state. Additionally, the state is close to Washington, DC, contributing to a learning and professional growth culture.

Virginia

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With a score of 72.5, Virginia stands out as one of the smartest states. The educational system of Virginia ranks among the top ten states on the U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress. The average I.Q. score of the state is 101.9, with approximately 23.6 percent of the population aged 25 years or older holding a bachelor’s degree.

Vermont

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Vermont scored 72.2 in the ranking of the smartest states due to its strong educational commitment and impressive academic achievements. The average I.Q. score of the state is 103.8, with nearly 44 percent of its population holding a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the state has the fourth-highest literacy rate and most libraries per capita in the nation, underscoring its commitment to fostering intellectual growth and academic success.

New Hampshire

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New Hampshire scored 70.5 among the smartest states, with an average I.Q. score of 104.2. The state maintains a robust educational system with a literacy rate of over 94 percent, and almost 40 percent of its population holds a bachelor’s degree. The state’s continuous investment in education and research fosters intellectual growth and achievement among its residents.

New Jersey

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With a score of 69.5, New Jersey ranks as one of the smartest states in the U.S. It has a robust public school system and is home to prestigious institutes such as Princeton University and Rutgers University, contributing to its intellectual environment. The average I.Q. score of the state is 102.8, and over 25 percent of its population aged 25 years or older hold a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, it boasts the highest literacy rate in the nation at 83 percent.

Colorado

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Colorado scored 69.4, positioning it as one of the smartest states in the U.S., with an average I.Q. score of 101.6. According to the Lumina Foundation, the state has the highest educational attainment levels nationwide, with over 62 percent of its population holding some form of postsecondary credentials. Colorado’s comprehensive education system and strong emphasis on research and development contribute to its intellectual richness.

Minnesota

St Anthony Main; Minneapolis, Minnesota: Third Avenue Bridge
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Minnesota scored 67 with an average I.Q. score of 103.7. Nearly 24 percent of the state’s population holds a bachelor’s degree and boasts a high literacy rate of 94 percent. Minnesota consistently performs well on standardized tests, showcasing its strong and reliable educational system. The state’s innovative approach to education and the presence of top-tier universities significantly contribute to the intellectual growth of its residents.

Washington

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Washington scored 60.3, with an average I.Q. score is 101.9. The state emphasizes STEM education and has impressive standardized test scores. It has over 23 percent of people aged 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree. The state also benefits from the presence of tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, contributing to its economic growth and professional development.

Nebraska

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With a score of 57.8 and an average I.Q. of 102.3, Nebraska is driven by a strong educational system. Over 34 percent of its population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher. The state also boasts a high literacy rate and strong performance on standardized tests. The state has many reputable institutes that enhance its residents’ academic and professional development.

New York

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New York scored 57.8 with an average I.Q. of 100.7, making it one of the smartest states in the U.S. With renowned universities like Columbia University, Cornell University, and New York University, the state boasts a vibrant educational culture. Almost 22.5 percent of the population aged 25 and above holds a bachelor’s degree, contributing to the state’s academic excellence and growth.

Maine

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Maine scored 55.8 in the ranking of smartest states, with an average I.Q. score of 103.4. Known for its beautiful national parks, the state boasts a bachelor’s degree attainment rate of over 36 percent, highlighting its focus on higher education. The state is actively enhancing its education system to promote educational achievement and professional growth among its residents.

Kansas

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The state named after the Kansas River scored 55.5, with an average I.Q. score of 102.8. Over 51 percent of college graduates hold bachelor’s degrees, and 25 percent have associate degrees. Kansas has strong educational attainment, showing its ongoing commitment to fostering the state’s intellectual and professional growth. Additionally, the state ranks 10th in the nation based on a weighted average of 16 educational outcomes.

Utah

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Utah, known for its beautiful landscape and national parks, scored 55.5, with an average I.Q. score of 101.1. The state has impressive educational attainment, with over 37 percent of its population holding a bachelor’s degree and a high school graduation rate of 93 percent. The state is home to many top-tier universities, which contribute to its academic excellence and intellectual growth.

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