Do Smart People Make More Money? Is IQ the Secret to Wealth? The Truth About the Average IQ of Rich People

Do the richest have higher IQs than the rest of us? Are billionaires secretly geniuses? And does intelligence alone unlock the door to financial success? Does IQ equal wealth?

Welcome to this eye-opening, research-backed, and motivational guide on the average IQ of rich people. Whether you are a student, an entrepreneur, or just curious about how brains and bank accounts are linked, this post will uncover the surprising truth—with real studies from both the United States and Sweden.

Let’s dive deep and answer the questions you have always wondered about.

Table of Contents

What does American research reveal about this?

1. IQ and Income in the U.S.: A Modest Connection

A major U.S. meta-analysis of 36 studies showed a 0.20 correlation between IQ and income—a small but measurable effect. This means IQ explains only about 4% of income variation. Not nothing, but far from the whole story.

In short: yes, intelligence is related to income—but only modestly.

2. National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79)

One of the largest U.S. studies—the NLSY79—tracked Americans for decades. It found that:
• Each IQ point in youth predicted $200–$600 more annual income in adulthood.
• Even when education and family background were controlled, a 1-point IQ boost still meant 1–2% higher yearly earnings.

But again—IQ mattered more in early career stages. Long-term wealth came more from personal growth, decisions, risk-taking, and networks.

3. AFQT & Lifetime Earnings

In America, military recruits take the AFQT test, closely tied to IQ. Research showed:
• A 15-point (1 SD) IQ rise boosted mid-career earnings by 20–28%.

Not bad—but clearly not the full formula for creating millionaires or billionaires.

4. General Intelligence (“g”) Factor

Studies also show:
• IQ-income correlation around 0.40—stronger for highly educated Americans or complex professions like law or tech.
• But the effect drops sharply at the highest income levels, just like in Sweden.

What is the average IQ of a millionaire?

Most evidence suggests that many millionaires (especially self-made ones running businesses or investments) likely have IQs in the 110–120 range on average—higher than average, but not genius-level. For example, American CEOs generally test around 115 IQ points (top 17% of the population).

In other words, the average IQ of rich people, including millionaires, is slightly above normal—but success depends on much more than brains. Grit, vision, market timing, and emotional intelligence play enormous roles.

Are billionaires intelligent—or is that a myth?

Let’s bust this common myth: is billionaires intelligent in the sense of having Einstein-level IQs? or do we mean “smarter than you and me”?

Not necessarily. The Swedish study proved this: top 1% earners (billionaire-level) did not have higher IQs than those below them. In some cases, they even scored slightly lower.

In the U.S., there’s no reason to believe billionaires are IQ outliers either. Many hit their fortunes through a blend of:

✔ Right place, right time
✔ Risk tolerance
✔ Inherited wealth
✔ Market disruption or innovation (e.g., tech booms)

Yes, they may be smart—but they also need vision, timing, and risk-taking, which IQ tests do not measure. So, the answer to “is billionaires intelligent” is usually, YES—but not superhuman geniuses.

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🧠 IQ of Famous Billionaires: Genius or Just Smart With Money?

Ever wondered whether billionaires are actually geniuses — or just financially disciplined? While official IQ scores are rarely published, several estimates exist based on their education, SAT scores, and achievements.

Below is a curated list of some of the world’s richest individuals and their estimated IQs:

🔝 Estimated IQs of Famous Billionaires

⚠️ Important Notes:

• None of these individuals have officially released their IQ scores.
• These numbers are educated guesses based on their academic history, SAT scores, intellectual output, and professional achievements.

then, What matters more than IQ for wealth building?

Here is where things get exciting—because no matter your intelligence quotient (IQ) score, you can master these traits that matter far more:

1.  Grit & Persistence

Angela Duckworth’s research shows that perseverance predicts achievement as much as, or more than, IQ. Those who stick with tough problems and learn from setbacks tend to out-earn equally intelligent but less determined peers.

2.  Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Understanding and managing emotions—both your own and others’—fuels effective leadership, negotiation, and relationship-building. Harvard research links high EQ to better job performance and career advancement.

3.  Growth Mindset

Coined by Carol Dweck, this is the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Entrepreneurs with a growth mindset tackle challenges head-on, pivot after failure, and continuously upgrade their skills.

4.  Financial IQ

Robert Kiyosaki emphasizes “financial IQ”—the savvy around budgeting, investing, and leveraging debt. You do not need a Mensa membership to grasp the basics of compound interest, diversification, and tax efficiency.

5.  Networking & Social Capital

Opportunity often comes through people. Building a strong network of mentors, partners, and peers can unlock deals, jobs, and insights that a high IQ alone won’t deliver.

6.  Luck & Timing

Sometimes you have to be in the right place at the right time. While you can’t control luck, you can cultivate readiness: learn constantly, stay curious, and position yourself where opportunity knocks.

7.  Risk-Taking and Innovation

Many rich people succeed because they take smart risks—starting a business, investing early, or innovating. IQ tests don’t measure courage.

How can you boost your success—no matter your IQ??

1. Develop Grit

Set long-term goals and break them into daily habits. Celebrate small wins. When obstacles arise, treat them as data points, not dead ends.

2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Embrace learning. Read books, take online courses, and seek feedback. Remember: effort deepens skills and, over time, increases your effectiveness—even if your IQ stays the same.

3. Build Financial IQ

Learn basic accounting, budgeting, and investing principles. Start small: automate savings, diversify investments, and minimize unnecessary fees.

4. Enhance Emotional Intelligence

Practice active listening in conversations. Notice your emotional triggers and learn healthy coping strategies. Strong EQ makes you a better leader, collaborator, and negotiator.

5. Expand Your Network

Attend industry events, join mastermind groups, or simply schedule regular coffee chats with peers. Help others without expectation—giving first often leads to unexpected returns.

6. Embrace Smart Risk-Taking

Calculate risks: research opportunities thoroughly, start small, and scale up as you learn. The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t reckless—they manage risk intelligently.

7. Leverage Mentors and Coaches

Find people who’ve walked the path you envision. Their guidance accelerates your growth and helps you sidestep common pitfalls.

Remember: the average IQ of rich people may be higher than average, but their success habits matter far more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the average IQ of rich people?
The average IQ of rich people generally ranges between 110 and 120, slightly above the general population average of 100. However, success factors like grit, creativity, and financial knowledge play a bigger role than IQ alone.

Q2. Is intelligence related to income?
Yes, intelligence is related to income to some extent. Studies from the U.S. and Sweden show that higher IQ correlates with better earnings early in a career. But at higher income levels, other factors like perseverance and emotional intelligence matter more.

Q3. What is average IQ of a millionaire?
The estimated average IQ of a millionaire is around 110–120, similar to CEOs and entrepreneurs. However, risk-taking, innovation, and financial skills are far more critical in building millionaire wealth than IQ itself.

Q4. Is billionaires intelligent?
Billionaires are generally intelligent but not necessarily geniuses. Their success often depends on timing, networking, and bold decisions rather than extremely high IQ scores.

Q5. Can you become rich without a high IQ?
Absolutely. Skills like persistence, emotional intelligence, financial literacy, and the ability to take calculated risks often outweigh IQ when it comes to building lasting wealth.

Q6. What is the IQ of Elon Musk?
Elon Musk is believed to have an IQ between 155–160, though no official test score is public.

Your Next Step: Build Wealth with Grit, Not Just IQ

You now know the truth: the average IQ of rich people isn’t sky-high. The world’s wealthiest people use grit, resilience, creativity, and risk-taking more than raw intellect.

So instead of worrying about your IQ, start building these priceless skills today—and watch your financial potential rise.

Ready to turn intelligence into action?

Smart minds retire fast. Want to join the 45-and-free club? Here’s how to do it 👉 How to Retire at 45 with a Ferrari and Zero Regrets: 5 Uncommon Money Moves You Can Start Today – The Fit Finance

Stay curious, stay motivated, and keep growing—because true wealth is built by more than just brainpower.