According to an online survey conducted by research and consulting firm YouGov.com, which asked the question, “In general would you say that you are more intelligent, less intelligent or about the same intelligence as the average American person?” Some 19% of respondents say they are much more intelligent than their average fellow citizens and 36% say they are slightly more intelligent.
If you think this sounds like Garrison Keillor’s hometown of Lake Wobegon, Minnesota, — where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking and all the children are above average — you are not far off. But the survey offers even more to consider:
- More males (61%) think they are smarter than average than do females (50%).
- By age group, 62% of 18- to 29-year-olds and 45- to 64-year-olds think they are smarter than average. Only 51% of those 65 and over think they’re smarter than average.
- By political party, 62% of Republicans think they are smarter than average, compared with 55% of Democrats and 53% of independents.
- By race, 60% of whites think they are smarter than average, compared with 42% of blacks and the same percentage of Hispanics.
- More than 71% of those with family incomes above $80,000 a year think they are smarter than average, with the $80,000 to $100,000 range at 73% and the $100,000+ range at 71%.
When asked, “In general, how intelligent do you think American people are?” just 20% of political independents say either fairly intelligent or very intelligent compared, with 27% of Republicans and 31% of Democrats. If family income is above $80,000, a respondent does not believe any of his or her fellow citizens is very intelligent.
Is this a great country or what?
ALSO READ: America’s Most (and Least) Common Jobs
Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!
By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.
By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
