AI Pushes 67% of Future U.S. Data Centers to Rural Areas
Updated
Updated · KFYR · Aug 14
AI Pushes 67% of Future U.S. Data Centers to Rural Areas
1 articles · Updated · KFYR · Aug 14
Summary
67% of planned U.S. data centers are expected to be built in rural areas, a sharp shift from the current footprint, where 87% of operating facilities are in urban areas, according to Pew Research Center analysis.
AI is driving the change by accelerating demand for computing power from always-on servers that need heavy electricity, high-speed internet, cooling and backup power.
Rural communities could gain private investment, construction work and tax revenue, but long-term employment may be limited once facilities are up and running.
Data centers already used about 4% of U.S. electricity in 2023, and researchers estimate that could rise to 6% to 12% by 2028, while water use and constant equipment noise add local concerns.
Those trade-offs are likely to be fought through zoning, with local rules shaping setbacks, generators, screening, water use and whether utilities can handle new projects.