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What is the Rarest Personality Type?
With 16 possible personality types in the Myers-Briggs system, you might be wondering—which personality type is the rarest? And if your type is uncommon, does that make you a misunderstood weirdo or just someone who has to work a little harder to find like-minded friends?
In this deep dive into the rarest personality type, we’ll explore what makes this type so unique, how gender plays a role in personality distribution and which other types are also considered uncommon. Whether you’re hoping to confirm why you feel so different from everyone else or just curious about the personalities that stand out from the crowd, we’ve got all the details.
Overall, the rarest personality type is INFJ
The rarest personality type in the Myers-Briggs system is the INFJ, known as ‘The Counselor’. INFJs make up only about 2% of the global population, making them a truly uncommon find. This personality type is particularly rare among men, occurring at even lower rates.
INFJ stands for Introversion (I), Intuition (N), Feeling (F), and Judging (J). This unique combination is hard to find in most people. While introverts make up a significant portion of the population, the mix of intuition and feeling is less common, and when combined with a structured, judging nature, it creates a personality type that is both deeply introspective, empathetic and future-focused.
The INFJ personality type is characterized by their deep sense of integrity and their natural intuition. They often seem to understand people’s emotions and motivations before those people even realize them themselves. This insight allows INFJs to offer thoughtful advice and guidance, often making them the person friends turn to in times of crisis.
Their idealistic nature drives them to seek deep, meaningful connections rather than surface-level relationships. They crave authenticity and are passionate about their values, sometimes to the point of feeling alienated in a world that doesn’t always prioritize depth and emotional awareness.
Despite their gentle, quiet demeanor, INFJs are surprisingly determined when it comes to their goals. Once they believe in a cause or mission, they will work tirelessly—often behind the scenes—to bring about change. Their rare blend of sensitivity and strategic thinking makes them both compassionate supporters and powerful advocates for the people and causes they believe in.
One of the most fascinating things about INFJs is their balance of opposites. They are introverts who care deeply about people, organized planners who embrace abstract ideas and dreamers who also know how to execute their vision. This paradoxical nature can make them feel misunderstood, as they may struggle to find others who truly "get" them. But when INFJs do find their people, those relationships are often some of the most meaningful and enduring.
However, the situation is not clear-cut
While INFJs are widely considered the rarest personality type, the reality isn’t quite so simple. Personality type distribution isn’t universal—certain types appear more frequently in some regions, cultures or environments than in others.
Studies suggest that personality types don’t occur in the same proportions across all populations. Cultural values, societal expectations, and even historical factors can influence which personality traits are more common in different parts of the world.
This means that while INFJs may be globally rare, their distribution isn’t necessarily even. You might find more INFJs in certain professions or communities where deep thinking, empathy and long-term vision are valued.
Additionally, there are notable gender differences in personality rarity, which means the rarest type for men isn’t necessarily the same as the rarest for women.
The rarest personality type for men
Like the general population, the rarest personality type among men is INFJ. Among men, INFJs make up just 1% compared to 2% of the general population.
Thinking types (T) are generally more common in men, while feeling types (F) are more common in women, meaning that types like INTJ or ISTP are rarer among women, while types like ENFJ or INFJ are rarer among men.
There are some questions about why this might be. The INFJ type includes some personality traits that Western society typically views as feminine traits such as high levels of emotional intelligence and empathy. INFJs are known to be sensitive and quiet, often spending time listening to the concerns of others rather than sharing their own thoughts.
It’s possible that boys are raised in a way that encourages them to subdue these aspects of their personality. Maybe they are making choices or exhibiting behaviors that give them a different type on a personality test.
Regardless, it’s important to note that having a rare personality type can feel especially isolating for those in the minority gender within their type. INFJ men may struggle to relate to the more dominant and assertive aspects of masculinity in Western culture.
The rarest personality type for women
For women, the rarest personality types are INTJ and ENTJ, with only 1% of women falling into each category. While INFJ is considered the rarest overall, it actually ranks as the third rarest among women, with around 2% of the female population identifying as INFJ.
So why are INTJ women and ENTJ women so uncommon? While there isn’t a definitive answer, several factors could contribute to their rarity, ranging from natural personality distribution to social and cultural influences.
The INTJ, known as "The Mastermind," and the ENTJ, known as "The Commander," share several core characteristics. They are strategic and long-term thinkers who prioritize logic over emotions. They tend to be independent and highly self-sufficient, often preferring to work alone or in leadership roles. They are also decisive and assertive, unafraid to challenge authority or tradition. Additionally, they generally have a lower focus on emotions, preferring rational analysis over sentimentality.
While none of these traits are inherently gendered, they contrast sharply with traditional societal expectations for women, who are often encouraged to develop skills related to emotional intelligence, empathy, and cooperation. Because of this, INTJ and ENTJ women may feel like outliers, both in their personal lives and professional settings.
Some women with these personality types may not even realize they are INTJs or ENTJs because their natural inclinations have been shaped by external expectations, which could also account for the rarity.
The top 5 rarest personality types ranked
Curious to know the other rarest personality types? INFJ isn’t the only personality type that’s hard to find! There’s actually a large group of personality types that are pretty uncommon in the general population.
Whether due to their unique combination of traits or societal influences, these personality types stand out simply because they are less frequently encountered. Below, we rank the five rarest personality types from least to most common.
1. INFJ: 2% of the population
The INFJ personality type is the undisputed rarest, making up only 2% of the population. INFJs are particularly rare among men, where they account for just 1%, while among women, the percentage is slightly higher at 2%.
Known for their deep intuition, strong personal values, and ability to understand others on a profound level, INFJs often feel like old souls in a fast-paced world. They seek meaning in everything they do, value authentic relationships, and are driven by a sense of purpose. This introspective and empathetic nature makes them stand out, though their rarity also means they often feel misunderstood.
2. INTJ: 2% of the population
Closely following INFJ, INTJ is the second rarest personality type and holds the title of the rarest type among women. Overall, INTJs make up 2% of the general population, with 3% of men identifying as INTJ compared to just 1% of women.
Often referred to as "The Mastermind," INTJs are highly strategic, independent thinkers who excel at long-term planning and problem-solving. They are known for their sharp analytical skills and strong independence, often preferring logic over emotions. Their ability to see patterns and anticipate outcomes makes them excellent planners, but their naturally reserved and direct communication style can sometimes make them seem distant or intimidating.
3. ENTJ: 2% of the population
ENTJs share the title of rarest personality type among women alongside INTJs, making up just 1% of the female population. Overall, ENTJs account for 2% of the general population, with 3% of men identifying as this type.
ENTJs are natural leaders, known for their confidence, strategic mindset and ability to take charge in any situation. They thrive in environments where they can implement their visions and bring order to chaos. Driven and ambitious, ENTJs set high expectations for themselves and those around them. While their direct approach can sometimes come across as intense, they are incredibly effective at organizing teams and achieving large-scale goals.
4. ENFJ: 3% of the population
ENFJ is another one of the rarest personality types, making up only 3% of the population. Among men, it is even more uncommon, occurring in just 2%, while among women, it is slightly more prevalent at 3%.
ENFJs are known for their charisma, warmth and ability to inspire others. They have a natural talent for leadership and are deeply attuned to the emotions and needs of those around them. Their rare blend of emotional intelligence and visionary thinking allows them to create meaningful change, whether in their personal relationships or on a broader societal scale. However, their strong people-oriented focus means they sometimes struggle with setting boundaries, as they tend to prioritize others over themselves.
5. ENTP: 3% of the population
Rounding out the list of rarest personality types is ENTP, which accounts for 3% of the general population. It is slightly more common among men, with 4% identifying as ENTP, while among women, it remains relatively rare at just 2%.
ENTPs are quick-witted, energetic and always eager to explore new ideas. They thrive on intellectual challenges and love engaging in spirited discussions. Their ability to think on their feet and challenge conventional thinking makes them natural innovators, but their tendency to debate everything—even when unnecessary—can sometimes make them appear argumentative. Their rare mix of curiosity, confidence and adaptability makes them stand out, but their aversion to routine and authority can sometimes put them at odds with more structured environments.
Understanding the rarest personality types
There are many possible reasons why these personality types are less common than others. Some traits, such as deep intuition, strategic thinking and a relentless drive for new ideas may be less naturally occurring in the general population. Additionally, societal expectations may influence how certain personality types develop or express themselves.
Looking at the top five rarest personality types, it is possible to pick out some patterns in their style of thinking and behaving. The rarest personality types are all Intuitives and all but the ENTP are also Judgers. So what does that mean?
Intuition
All the rarest personality types have one thing in common: they are Intuitives rather than Sensors. This is particularly fascinating because Intuitives tend to approach life with a preference for abstract concepts and ideas rather than concrete, immediate facts.
Intuitives are inclined to seek out patterns, connections and underlying meanings in the world around them. Their focus is often on future possibilities, exploring "what could be" rather than “what is” or “what has been.” This forward-thinking mindset makes them more likely to innovate, dream big, and challenge the status quo.
In contrast, the more common personality types tend to be Sensors. Sensors approach the world by focusing on the present moment and on information they can directly observe or experience. They are grounded in the here and now, often relying on their senses to understand and process their surroundings.
Sensors are typically more practical and hands-on, preferring experiences that are tangible and measurable. While they value stability and structure, Intuitives look beyond the surface, often diving into abstract theories and exploring future possibilities that others may not yet see. This difference in processing not only shapes their worldview but also influences their interests, communication style and even their careers.
Understanding this distinction helps to explain why certain personality types are rarer than others—Intuitives, with their more abstract thinking and future-oriented mindset, are less common in a world that often values practicality, immediacy and a focus on tangible outcomes.
Judging
Another key factor in the rarity of certain personality types is the high prevalence of Judging over Perceiving among the top five rarest types. The Judging/Perceiving dimension reveals a fundamental difference in how people prefer to organize their lives. Judgers value order, structure and predictability. They prefer planning ahead, setting clear goals and following through on tasks in a methodical, organized manner. For Judgers, the comfort of having a set schedule and clear deadlines helps them feel in control and productive.
On the other hand, the Perceivers’ preference for flexibility and spontaneity contrasts sharply with that of Judgers. Perceivers are more comfortable adapting to circumstances as they arise, valuing options and exploration over closure and structure. They tend to embrace the unpredictability of life and are often more open to last-minute changes and new possibilities. This adaptability makes them well-suited to environments where change is constant or where there is a need to stay open to multiple options.
The rarest personality types in the 16-type system, however, often combine the traits of both Intuition and Judging, which can seem paradoxical at first. While Intuitives prefer abstract, future-focused thinking, Judgers prefer the order of a planned, structured life. These two traits, when combined, create a personality that is both future-oriented and highly organized, yet also focused on abstract ideas and theoretical possibilities rather than concrete, present-day realities.
This unique mix of Intuitive and Judging traits is what makes these types particularly rare, as the combination of structure and abstract thinking can sometimes feel at odds with one another. It is this blending of seemingly opposing preferences that creates such a unique, and less common, personality type.
How does your type compare?
While INFJ is the rarest personality type, it's important to remember that rarity doesn’t inherently make it better or worse than the other personality types. Each type offers a unique set of strengths and weaknesses that contribute to the diversity and richness of human personality.
Whether a type is more common or less prevalent, every personality type brings something valuable to the table. For example, while rare types like INFJ may possess deep insights and a strong sense of purpose, more common types may have exceptional skills in areas like practical problem-solving or connecting with others in straightforward ways. No type is superior—each has its own role in the world.
Understanding how your personality type compares to others can offer valuable insights into your behavior, relationships and career choices. The beauty of the 16-type system is in its ability to highlight how each type is distinct and contributes in different ways. Embracing your type’s unique strengths and recognizing areas for growth can help you become the best version of yourself.
To dive deeper into the 16-type system and explore how your personality type shapes your experiences, take the test to discover your type. Whether you're curious about how your type fits into the broader personality landscape or want to understand others more clearly, gaining this self-awareness can be a powerful tool in your personal and professional growth.
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