Data centers, critical for powering artificial intelligence, are rapidly expanding across the U.S., with nearly 100 operational, 120 under construction, and 460 planned, according to Cleanview. This growth is pushing facilities into rural areas, where costs are cheaper. David Adams, an associate professor at California State University at Fullerton who studies public infrastructure, notes that companies now prioritize proximity to fiber internet lines and cheaper electricity over urban locations.
Data Center Expansion Reshapes U.S. Infrastructure, Straining Energy and Land Resources
Land Use Changes: Farmland and Forests at Risk
A third of hyperscale data centers are built on farmland, while roughly 40% occupy previously developed land, per a Washington Post analysis of the National Land Cover Database. For example, 93 large data centers were analyzed for land use before they were built. This trend raises concerns about converting productive farmland and ecosystems into industrial sites.
Energy Demands Force Off-Grid Solutions
The power needs of AI-driven data centers exceed traditional grid capacity, prompting companies to build their own energy infrastructure. SpaceX’s Colossus 2 in Memphis uses temporary gas turbines, which residents near its older facility, Colossus, have protested for emissions. The company also purchased land in Mississippi for off-grid power generation.
Meta’s Hyperion Campus Outpaces Urban Landmarks
Meta’s Hyperion data center in Louisiana will surpass the size of Manhattan’s Central Park. The project, which required additional land purchases, highlights the scale of future developments. If all planned centers are built on schedule, Hyperion will rank fifth in the U.S. by square footage by 2030, per Cleanview.
Community and Environmental Concerns
Residents near data centers report pollution. SpaceX’s generators have drawn complaints, though the company has not commented.
US hyperscale data center growth and rural land use
How many data centers are currently operating in the U.S.?
As of 2026, the U.S. houses nearly 100 hyperscale data centers, with 120 under construction and 460 planned, according to Cleanview.
What percentage of data centers are built on farmland?
A third of hyperscale data centers are constructed on farmland, based on a Washington Post analysis of land use data.
Why are data centers moving to rural areas?
Rural regions offer cheaper costs, along with access to fiber internet lines, making them attractive for companies needing to scale operations.
How do data centers address energy shortages?
Some companies, like SpaceX, build off-grid power generation facilities. Others use temporary gas turbines, which can increase local pollution.
What is the environmental impact of data center expansion?
The construction of data centers often converts farmland, forests, and shrublands into industrial sites. Increased energy use also strains local grids and raises emissions.
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