Ohio emerges as data center hub, bringing new investments and jobs
Ohio is attracting data center investment, with developers repurposing former industrial sites and expanding digital infrastructure. The growth is expected to create jobs and economic activity, but labor leaders warn that data centers will sharply increase electricity demand and should provide community and environmental benefits.
Ohio has become a major data center market, with more than 200 facilities and an estimated 95,000 jobs and $26.4 billion in economic output generated in 2024. Developers are using existing industrial infrastructure, including the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in southern Ohio, for large-scale data center development tied to growing artificial intelligence demand.
Austin Keyser, vice president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, said the projects could revitalize communities affected by the loss of steel, rubber and other heavy industries. He also cautioned that data centers are intensive electricity users and urged residents to seek community benefit commitments, lower power costs and advanced environmental standards before supporting new facilities.