A recent study by analytics company Data Pandas has revealed that New Jersey boasts an average IQ of 102.8, ranking 11th among U.S. states. The study analyzed public data from IQ tests, SAT and ACT scores, and educational attainment levels to determine the cognitive abilities of residents across the nation.
Massachusetts topped the list with an average IQ of 104.3, likely due to its prestigious educational institutions like Harvard and MIT. New Hampshire and North Dakota followed closely, with average IQ scores of 104.2 and 103.8, respectively.
On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi recorded the lowest IQ average at 94.2. Louisiana and California ranked second and third lowest, with IQs of 95.3 and 95.5, respectively.
Researchers noted that socio-economic factors, access to quality education, and racial, educational, and economic disparities likely contribute to the varying IQ levels across states.