The Smartest US States

• Vermont is America’s smartest state, with 103.8 average IQ and an almost 95% high school graduation rate. 
• Northeastern states dominate America’s intelligence rankings, taking half of the spots in the top 10. 
• Massachusetts stands out as both highly educated and wealthy, pairing nearly 50% bachelor’s degree rate with the highest $80K salaries.

Americans collectively carry more than $1.7T in student loan debt, highlighting the value placed on education and the expectation that it will result in higher earnings. A new study by CasinooftheKings analyzed all 50 US states to see which regions are the most educated and how that relates to average earnings.

Each state was ranked using four education indicators: high school graduation rates, bachelor’s degree attainment, average IQ scores, and adult literacy levels. The scores were combined into a Smart State Index and then compared with average salaries to show how education and income align across the country.

Here’s a look at the top 10 smartest states in America and their wealth rankings:

Vermont ranks first as America’s most intelligent state. The region reports America’s highest high school completion rate at 96% and a large percentage of adults (43%) who’ve earned a bachelor’s degree. Vermont residents also demonstrate high cognitive abilities with a 103.8 average IQ. Despite these educational advantages, Vermont ranks 19th in earnings, with state residents making around $62K annually.

Massachusetts holds second place for intelligence while ranking first for wealth. Almost every second resident here has a bachelor’s degree, while locals also post the highest IQ test results at 104.3. Massachusetts leads in earnings too, with residents making $80K annually, showing how education can translate directly into financial advantage.

New Hampshire is in third position. The state has the third-highest high school graduation rate at 94% and strong college education levels, with 40% of adults holding bachelor’s degrees. New Hampshire also records the second-highest average IQ, yet ranks 15th in salary at $66K. 

Next up is Minnesota, where 93% of the population has a high school diploma and another 39% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Minnesota also ranks high in IQ levels and shows average salaries of $67K, placing it in 13th place in income. 

Colorado is the fifth smartest state in America, while also ranking 8th in wealth. 93% of locals here have graduated from high school, and 45% hold a bachelor’s degree (second only to Massachusetts). Colorado’s IQ levels are higher than the national average, and its standard annual earnings stand at $72K.

Connecticut matches its position in intelligence and income, ranking sixth in both. About 42% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree, and the state posts an average IQ of 103.1. State residents earn around $74K a year, making Connecticut a case where strong education is closely tied to higher income.

Montana ranks seventh for intelligence but struggles financially. The state boasts America’s second-highest high school graduation rate at 95% and a strong average IQ. Yet, residents earn only about $56K a year, putting Montana 40th in income. With this, Montana’s case represents the widest education-to-earnings gap among the top 10 intelligent states.

Washington takes eighth place for intelligence. Nearly 39% of its residents hold a bachelor’s degree, and locals score an average of 101.9 points in IQ tests. Earnings in Washington are close to $78K a year, placing the state third in America’s salary rankings.

North Dakota is in ninth position through strong cognitive abilities. The state shows an average of 103.8 IQ (third highest), while having relatively lower 32% bachelor’s degree attainment compared to other leading regions. As for income, North Dakota ranks 30th, as locals here earn around $59K every year. 

Virginia completes the top 10 states with the best education levels. Locals in Virginia score 101.9 points in IQ tests on average, while 42% of the population is a bachelor’s degree holder. Virginia also ranks 9th in salary at $70K, showing a relatively strong correlation between its educational levels and financial outcomes.

“Education shapes opportunities, but it isn’t the only factor behind income,” says the spokesperson from CasinooftheKings. “Local industries, cost of living, and workforce demand all play major roles in how far a degree actually takes someone. That’s why a state rich in natural resources or technology jobs may out-earn a highly educated state with fewer high-paying sectors, and why many graduates relocate to chase stronger economic opportunities elsewhere. It seems that it’s the Northeast in the US that often offers some of the best returns on education, though even there, outcomes can vary widely.”