Marina
Kansas has quietly emerged as one of the most intelligent states in America. According to a comprehensive analysis that includes average IQ, high school graduation rates, literacy, college entrance scores, and economic performance, Kansas ranks an impressive 7th out of 50 states.
With an average IQ of 102.8 and a 92.6% graduation rate, the Sunflower State is setting an intellectual standard that’s hard to ignore.
How Kansas Stacks Up in Intelligence Ranking
The wide-ranging study used a smart scoring model—spanning six key indicators—to assign each state a score scaled from 0 to 10, culminating in an overall index score. Negative factors like literacy challenges were also factored in.
| Rank | State | Avg IQ | Graduation Rate | Index Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | 103.7 | — | — |
| 2 | North Dakota | — | — | — |
| 3–6 | Wisconsin, Nebraska, Wyoming, Iowa | — | — | — |
| 7 | Kansas | 102.8 | 92.6% | 73.36 |
Kansas earned a score of 73.36, landing it solidly in the top 10, demonstrating strong intellectual metrics across both education and economics.
What Makes Kansas Stand Out?
Five factors contribute to this ranking:
- High Average IQ – At 102.8, Kansans score above the national average.
- Strong Educational Outcomes – A 92.6% high school graduation rate reflects solid education infrastructure.
- Solid Literacy Rates – While slightly lower, literacy levels remain strong across the state.
- Standardized Test Performance – College entrance exam scores rank favorably, hinting at academic rigor.
- Economic Indicators – A competitive GDP per capita bolsters Kansas’ overall score.
Comparing Kansas to Its Peers
While Minnesota leads the pack with top IQ and graduation stats, Kansas follows closely behind states like Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Iowa. This puts Kansas firmly in the upper echelon of U.S. education and economic performance.
What This Ranking Means for Kansas
- Pride and Recognition: Kansas’ top-10 ranking boosts state morale and highlights its educational strengths.
- Retention of Talent: A well-educated populace may make Kansas more attractive for businesses and professionals.
- Policy Validation: Investments in education and workforce development are showing real returns.
- Future Focus: To maintain or improve its ranking, Kansas will need to further support literacy, higher education, and economic equity.
Kansas’ rise to 7th place among the nation’s most intelligent states is no overnight success—it reflects consistent strength in educational outcomes, economic health, and intellectual performance.
With an average IQ of 102.8, a 92.6% graduation rate, and a solid index score of 73.36, Kansas is proving that it’s not just part of the heartland—it’s on the map for intellectual achievement.
