Tennessee Has at Least 65 Operational Data Centers Across 10 Counties
Tennessee has at least 65 operational data centers across 10 counties, with Davidson, Shelby and Knox counties hosting the most facilities. Growing community opposition has led at least 10 cities and counties to impose temporary construction moratoriums, while concerns about electricity demand and higher residential bills continue to fuel the debate.
At least 65 operational data centers are located across 10 Tennessee counties, according to research from DataCenterMap and Baxtel. Davidson County has the most facilities with 28, followed by Shelby County with 13 and Knox County with nine. At least 10 cities and counties have enacted temporary moratoriums on new data center construction, although those restrictions do not affect existing facilities.
Opposition is growing as residents and officials raise concerns about the long-term effects of data centers and their demand for electricity. Think Tennessee reported that residential electricity bills increased between 2023 and 2024, while Metro Council member Jacob Kupin said the industry's uncertain impacts should be addressed through regulation. The issue is expected to remain part of city and county planning discussions and may influence voter attitudes during the upcoming midterm election.