CSI report: Data centers’ $53 billion investment through 2031
A Common Sense Institute report estimates that Iowa’s data center industry could attract $53 billion in investment through 2031. The projects could more than triple the state’s data center capacity, support nearly 30,000 jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the state economy.
A Common Sense Institute report projects $53 billion in total data center investment in Iowa through 2031, including $38 billion in additional investment already announced for 2027-31. The report says Iowa currently has 2,324 megawatts of operating data center capacity, ranking first in the Midwest on a per-capita basis and second in total capacity. A Google data center project near Cedar Rapids is cited in the report’s coverage.
The institute estimates that the industry could support nearly 30,000 jobs, generate more than $18 billion in state GDP and produce $9 billion in personal income through 2031. Executive Director Matt Everson described the investment as a major economic opportunity but said Iowa’s ability to realize the benefits will depend on maintaining competitive policies.