25 States with the Lowest Average IQ and Well Being Scores

Published on December 28, 2023 at 5:09 am by Ali Ahmed in Business, Industries, Lists, News

In this article, we will be looking at the 25 states with the lowest average IQ and well being scores. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the education market in the US, you can go directly to 5 States with the Lowest Average IQ and Well Being Scores.

In one of our previous articles about the smartest states with the highest average IQ, we briefly discussed the correlation between intelligence and education, both of which are associated with brainpower and cognitive functioning. Education can positively influence intelligence, as it helps individuals enhance their intellectual capacity.

Education and Well-being in America

The US is one of the most advanced countries in education. Nevertheless, certain states in America continue to face persistent challenges with illiteracy. According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), larger proportions of adults in the US have poor literacy and numeracy skills than in other countries. The report also points out that literacy skills can have a significant impact not only on employment outcomes but also on personal and social well-being. In the US, the odds of being in poor health are four times greater for adults with low literacy skills than for those with the highest proficiency levels.

As reported by the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 2021, more than half of American adults read below a sixth-grade level. The report also mentions that low literacy can lead to a reduction in income, health, and quality of life for individuals.

In the US, there is a pressing need to improve literacy skills and provide access to resources and support. Addressing the challenge of low literacy presents a significant opportunity for the education market. According to a report by Custom Market Insights, the US education market was estimated to have reached a value of $1.4 trillion in 2021. Moving forward, the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% from 2022 to 2030 and reach a value of around $3.1 trillion by the end of the forecasted period.

The key factors driving growth in the US education market include rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and rising demand for online learning. Moreover, the evolving job market in the US increasingly demands a workforce equipped with specialized skills and knowledge. The rising demand for higher education and specialized training programs is contributing to the expansion of the US education market.

Prominent Names in the Educational Services Market

Some of the biggest companies in the US educational services market that are working to improve the current educational landscape include Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN), 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU), and Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LAUR).

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LAUR) is an educational services company that operates higher education institutions globally. The company offers campus-based and online education programs. Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LAUR) is also one of the best education stocks to buy. On November 2, Laureate Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:LAUR) reported strong earnings for the fiscal third quarter of 2023, reflecting strong demand for educational services. The company reported an EPS of $0.23 and beat estimates by $0.04. The company’s revenue for the quarter grew by 20.1% year-over-year and amounted to $361.5 million, ahead of market consensus by $1.5 million.

Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN), formerly K12 Inc., is an education company that offers online and blended education programs as well as career learning programs. On November 27, Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) announced that the University of the Virgin Islands – Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL) has teamed up with MedCerts to deliver a range of healthcare training programs and exam preparation opportunities for students, aiming to enhance their professional development and career prospects in the healthcare sector. MedCerts is a subsidiary of Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN) which is known for its innovation in online career training and eLearning solutions. The programs and exam preparation MedCerts will offer through the partnership with UVI CELL will equip the students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in various medical careers, including Cardio-Phlebotomy Technicians, EKG Technicians, Electronic Health and Medical Records Specialists, Health Unit Coordinators, Medication Care Coordinators, and Patient Care Technicians.

2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) is an American edtech company that collaborates with educational institutions to offer and support online degree and non-degree programs. 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) is also the parent company of edX, a leading global online learning platform. On November 10, 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) reported that it has signed agreements with 6 different universities to introduce 50 new online degree programs. These new degree programs will be offered by 4 new 2U partners and 2 existing 2U partners. The new 2U partners include Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU), Maryville University, and King’s College London, while the existing partners are Emerson College and the University of Cape Town (UCT). Under the company’s ‘flex’ degree partnership model, 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) plans to launch at least 80 new degree programs in 2024.

President of Partnerships at 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU), Andrew Hermalyn, said:

“This sharp increase highlights the appetite for continued digital innovation among universities and is a testament to the transformative power of public-private higher education partnerships. With our partners, we’ll continue to provide greater and more equitable pathways to the world’s best higher education.”

Now that we have discussed what’s going on in America’s education sector, let’s take a look at the 25 states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores.

25 States with the Lowest Average IQ and Well Being Scores

Methodology

In this article, we have listed 25 states with the lowest average IQ and well being scores. To rank the US states with the lowest average IQ and well being scores, we consulted the “Updated IQ and Well-Being Scores for the 50 U.S. States” report by Bryan J. Pesta. This report is available at the National Institutes of Health’s website and it provides us with IQ scores and well-being scores for all of the 50 US states. We calculated the “Insider Monkey Score” for all 50 US states by adding up their IQ and well-being scores and then calculating the mean. We then narrowed down our selection to rank the 25 states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores based on their Insider Monkey Score, which is the average score calculated using each state’s IQ and well-being scores. The 25 states with the lowest average IQ and well being scores are listed below in descending order.

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25 States with the Lowest Average IQ and Well Being Scores

25. Pennsylvania

IQ Score: 100.2

Well-Being Score: 102

Insider Monkey Score: 101.1

Pennsylvania, a state in the Mid-Atlantic region, is known for its diverse geography. It is the 33rd-largest in terms of size but the fifth-most populated state in the US. With an IQ score of 100.2 and a well-being score of 102, Pennsylvania ranks among the 25 states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores.

24. Montana

IQ Score: 101.1

Well-Being Score: 101

Insider Monkey Score: 101.05

Montana is a Western state that is known for its diverse terrain ranging from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains. It is one of the largest and least populated states in the US. Montana has an IQ score of 101.1 and a well-being score of 101.

23. South Dakota

IQ Score: 100.7

Well-Being Score: 98

Insider Monkey Score: 99.35

South Dakota is a state in the North Central region that ranks among some of the least populated and least densely populated states in the US. It is best known for The Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. South Dakota has an IQ score of 100.7 and a well-being score of 98.

22. Delaware

IQ Score: 98.7

Well-Being Score: 100

Insider Monkey Score: 99.35

Delaware, in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US, is the 2nd smallest and 6th least populated state. With an IQ score of 98.7 and a well-being score of 100, Delaware ranks 22nd on our list of the 25 states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores.

21. Kansas

IQ Score: 100.5

Well-Being Score: 97

Insider Monkey Score: 98.75

Kansas is a landlocked state in the Midwestern US that is known for its vast prairies, rolling hills, and natural beauty. The US state of Kansas has an IQ score of 100.5 and a well-being score of 97.

20. Indiana

IQ Score: 100.6

Well-Being Score: 94

Insider Monkey Score: 97.3

Indiana, a state in the Midwestern region of the US, is known for its vast farmlands. It is also famous for its steel production and manufacturing industry and steel production. With an IQ score of 100.6 and a well-being score of 94, the US state of Indiana ranks among the 20 states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores.

19. Michigan

IQ Score: 99.6

Well-Being Score: 94

Insider Monkey Score: 96.8

Michigan, a state in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwestern US, is the 10th most populated and 11th largest state. Thanks to its long freshwater coastline, Michigan is best known for fishing. Forestry is also a major industry in the state. Michigan has an IQ score of 99.6 and a well-being score of 94.

18. North Carolina

IQ Score: 99.5

Well-Being Score: 93

Insider Monkey Score: 96.25

North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern US. Despite being the 28th largest state by area, it ranks among the 10 most populated states in the US. North Carolina has an IQ score of 99.5 and a well-being score of 93.

17. Ohio

IQ Score: 100

Well-Being Score: 92

Insider Monkey Score: 96

Ohio in the Midwest ranks among the most populated states in the US. Home to a thriving manufacturing sector, Ohio is one of the biggest automobile-producing states in America. With an IQ score of 100 and a well-being score of 92, Ohio ranks 17th on our list of 25 states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores.

16. Georgia

IQ Score: 98.1

Well-Being Score: 93

Insider Monkey Score: 95.55

Georgia, a state in the Southeastern region of the US, is the 8th most populated state and the 24th largest state by size. The state’s capital city, Atlanta, is a major hub for finance, technology, manufacturing, and transportation. Georgia has an IQ score of 98.1 and a well-being score of 93.

15. Florida

IQ Score: 98.8

Well-Being Score: 92

Insider Monkey Score: 95.4

Florida is a state in the Southeastern US that is famous for its beach resorts, amusement parks, and warm and sunny climate. It is the 3rd most populated state in America. With an IQ score of 98.8 and a well-being score of 92, Florida ranks among the 15 states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores.

14. Texas

IQ Score: 97.4

Well-Being Score: 93

Insider Monkey Score: 95.2

Texas, in the South Central region of the US, is the second most populated state. It is also the second largest state by size in the US. Texas is known for its oil industry as well as diverse landscapes. Texas has an IQ score of 97.4 and a well-being score of 93.

13. Arizona

IQ Score: 98.3

Well-Being Score: 91

Insider Monkey Score: 94.65

Arizona is a state in the Southwestern US that is best known for the Grand Canyon. It is the sixth largest state by size in the US. According to a recently reported study, the US state of Arizona has an IQ score of 98.3 and a well-being score of 91.

12. Missouri

IQ Score: 99.5

Well-Being Score: 89

Insider Monkey Score: 94.25

Missouri is a state in the Midwestern region of the US, and it shares a border with 8 different states. With an IQ score of 99.5 and a well-being score of 89, the US state of Missouri ranks 12th on our list of 25 states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores.

11. Nevada

IQ Score: 96.6

Well-Being Score: 91

Insider Monkey Score: 93.8

Nevada, in the Western region of the United States, is the seventh largest state by area. While being one of the driest states, Nevada is known for its large casinos, gambling, and vibrant nightlife. Nevada has an IQ score of 96.6 and a well-being score of 91.

10. Kentucky

IQ Score: 98.8

Well-Being Score: 83

Insider Monkey Score: 90.9

Kentucky is a state in the Southeastern region of the US that ranks 10th on our list of states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores. It has an IQ score of 98.8 and a well-being score of 83. Kentucky is known for coal mining, horse racing, and its famous bourbon distilleries.

9. South Carolina

IQ Score: 97.8

Well-Being Score: 83

Insider Monkey Score: 90.4

South Carolina is a state in the coastal Southeastern region of the US that is known for its shoreline of subtropical beaches and sea islands. According to a recently reported study, the US state of South Carolina has an IQ score of 97.8 and a well-being score of 83.

8. Oklahoma

IQ Score: 98.2

Well-Being Score: 79

Insider Monkey Score: 88.6

Oklahoma is a state in the South Central region of the US where the residents are known as Oklahomans and Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city. The state is a major producer of natural gas, oil, and agricultural products. Oklahoma has an IQ score of 98.2 and a well-being score of 79, and it ranks 8th on our list of states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores.

7. New Mexico

IQ Score: 95

Well-Being Score: 80

Insider Monkey Score: 87.5

New Mexico, in the Southwest US, is one of the Mountain States of the southern Rocky Mountains. While being the fifth largest state, it ranks among the least densely populated states in the US. New Mexico’s economic landscape is heavily influenced by oil and gas production and federal government spending. The state of New Mexico has an IQ score of 95 and a well-being score of 87.5. New Mexico has the lowest IQ score out of all the 50 US states.

6. Alabama

IQ Score: 96.4

Well-Being Score: 76

Insider Monkey Score: 86.2

Alabama is a state in the Southeastern region of the US that is known for its southern warmth and hospitality. It is also known for its agriculture industry. However, with a low IQ score of 96.4 and an unimpressive well-being score of 76, Alabama ranks high among the states with the lowest average IQ and well-being scores.

Click to continue reading and see 5 States with the Lowest Average IQ and Well Being Scores.

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25 States with the Lowest Average IQ and Well Being Scores

Published on December 28, 2023 at 5:09 am by Ali Ahmed in Business, Industries, Lists, News

Education and Well-being in America

Prominent Names in the Educational Services Market

25 States with the Lowest Average IQ and Well Being Scores

25. Pennsylvania

24. Montana

23. South Dakota

22. Delaware

21. Kansas

20. Indiana

19. Michigan

18. North Carolina

17. Ohio

16. Georgia

15. Florida

14. Texas

13. Arizona

12. Missouri

11. Nevada

10. Kentucky

9. South Carolina

8. Oklahoma

7. New Mexico

6. Alabama

AI, Tariffs, Nuclear Power: One Undervalued Stock Connects ALL the Dots (Before It Explodes!)

Published on June 23, 2025 at by Inan Dogan, PhD

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

A New Dawn is Coming to U.S. Stocks

Published on June 13, 2025 at by Insider Monkey Staff

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25 States with the Lowest Average IQ and Well Being Scores

Published on December 28, 2023 at 5:09 am by Ali Ahmed in Business, Industries, Lists, News

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Education and Well-being in America

Prominent Names in the Educational Services Market

25 States with the Lowest Average IQ and Well Being Scores

25. Pennsylvania

24. Montana

23. South Dakota

22. Delaware

21. Kansas

20. Indiana

19. Michigan

18. North Carolina

17. Ohio

16. Georgia

15. Florida

14. Texas

13. Arizona

12. Missouri

11. Nevada

10. Kentucky

9. South Carolina

8. Oklahoma

7. New Mexico

6. Alabama

Share

AI, Tariffs, Nuclear Power: One Undervalued Stock Connects ALL the Dots (Before It Explodes!)

Published on June 23, 2025 at by Inan Dogan, PhD

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

A New Dawn is Coming to U.S. Stocks

Published on June 13, 2025 at by Insider Monkey Staff