A new study has ranked the smartest states in the US based on 19 key indicators

A new study revealed the smartest U.S. states, with Massachusetts coming out on top.

A research team at BrainManager analyzed U.S. states based on 19 key indicators to find out which are the smartest ones. These factors were grouped into three main categories: academic success, learning culture and support, and innovation and technology.

Massachusetts tops the list with a score of 81.81. The state excels in academic success, boasting the highest average IQ in the nation at 104.3. Bay State students consistently outperform on exams, ranking first for combined SAT and ACT scores and second in NAEP assessments.

Home to world-renowned institutions like MIT, Massachusetts ranks second in innovation and technology systems. The state hosts 145 tech events and has 20 research institutions, providing numerous opportunities for its residents to expand their knowledge.

Vermont ranks second on the list, with a score of 77.39. The state has an impressive learning culture and support, leading the nation in online reading and ranking third in library visits, showcasing its residents’ strong intellectual curiosity.

Vermont also has impressive literacy and numeracy rates and a remarkable high school graduation rate of 93.5%.

Although Vermont’s students narrowly miss the top 10 in exam results, the state still demonstrates immense potential, ranking fourth for academic success. Additionally, the state boasts the third-highest average IQ in the country, reflecting a solid intellectual foundation that extends far beyond standardized tests.

Connecticut comes in third with a 75.96 score. The state excels in innovation and technology, leading the nation with the highest number of tech events which provide residents with valuable opportunities to expand their competencies.

Connecticut boasts strong academic success, excelling in standardized testing. The state ranks ninth for SAT and ACT scores, reflecting a commitment to high-quality education.

Additionally, the state shows a keen interest in online reading, ranking 12th for Google searches related to reading and hosting an impressive 195 reading events.

New Hampshire takes fourth place with a score of 72.68. The state boasts the highest literacy and numeracy rates in the nation and shows a strong interest in digital reading.

In terms of academic success, New Hampshire ranks second, just behind Massachusetts. The state excels with high average IQ levels at 104.2 and impressive graduation rates, both at the high school and college levels, highlighting its commitment to education and intellectual growth.

Washington rounds out the top five smartest U.S. states with a score of 72.32. The Evergreen State ranks sixth for learning culture, with a strong focus on its thriving artistic and cultural industries, which lead the nation by generating an impressive 9.5% of total revenue.

While it ranks 18th for academic success, Washington excels in innovation and technology, ranking seventh overall. The state is home to the highest number of tech professionals and hosts numerous tech events, helping to create a lively atmosphere that encourages learning and creativity.

Wyoming, boasting a 71.48 score, ranks sixth on the list of the smartest U.S. states. The state excels in learning culture, securing the third position nationally for its impressive support of education.

Wyoming boasts high numeracy rates, offers many bookstores per capita, and sees one of the highest rates of library visits in the country. Additionally, residents show a strong interest in online reading, placing the state third in that category.

While college graduation rates are still a work in progress, Wyoming shines with a remarkable high school graduation rate of 93.6%

Alaska ranks seventh on the list with a score of 70.37. Known for having the best learning culture and support in the nation, the state also excels in literacy and numeracy rates.

Additionally, the state hosts numerous reading events and has several colleges, fostering a vibrant educational environment.

Although Alaska ranks 34th for academic success, it does very well in innovation and technology, coming in third overall. This success is mainly due to the high number of tech businesses in the state, which helps create jobs and encourage new ideas.

Maine ranks eighth with a score of 69.68. The state excels in learning culture and support, securing fourth place in this category. Maine’s strong interest in online reading, and a high number of bookstores per capita, reflects its commitment to fostering a love of literature.

Additionally, the state boasts impressive literacy and numeracy rates, contributing to a well-rounded educational environment that encourages lifelong learning and intellectual growth.

Colorado is ninth on the list with a score of 68.15. The state stands out for its innovation and technology, securing fifth place due to a thriving ecosystem of tech businesses, skilled professionals, and numerous tech events.

Additionally, Colorado boasts the second-highest number of college graduates in the country, highlighting its strong commitment to education and the development of a highly skilled workforce.

Minnesota completes the list of the top 10 smartest U.S. states with a score of 67.71. The state earns its position mainly due to its high academic success, ranking third in the nation.

Minnesota ranks in the top five for nearly all metrics, including average IQ, high school and college graduation rates, and SAT, ACT, and NAEP test scores.

Here is the full list of the U.S. states ranked from the smartest: