The majority of North Carolinians oppose local data centers, a new poll finds
A new Elon University poll reveals that 53% of North Carolinians oppose data centers in their communities, a significant increase from 44% in March 2025. The opposition spans political parties and age groups, highlighting data centers as an increasingly controversial land-use issue for local communities. Concerns like noise pollution and water quality are driving this sentiment.
A recent Elon University poll indicates a growing opposition to data centers among North Carolinians. The survey, conducted between July 23 and 31 among 800 adults, found that 53% of respondents oppose data centers in their local communities, an increase from 44% in a similar poll in March 2025. Only 20% expressed support, while 27% remained unsure. Jason Husser, the poll's director, noted that data centers are becoming a more contentious issue, with future polling potentially exploring specific concerns such as noise pollution and water quality. He also emphasized that land-use decisions for these facilities are primarily made at the county level by local commissions.
The poll revealed that Democrats and Independents are more likely to oppose data centers than Republicans. Among Democrats, 55% were opposed, compared to 41% of Republicans and 61% of Independents. Supporters of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper showed 60% opposition, while 45% of Republican candidate Michael Whatley's supporters were against data centers.
Opposition was evident across all age demographics, with the 30-45 age group showing the highest disapproval at 56%. Even respondents under 30, often considered "digital natives," registered 48% opposition. Husser commented on this "paradoxical" finding, suggesting that younger residents, having always lived with a pervasive internet, might possess a more informed understanding of both the benefits and drawbacks of data center technology.