Data centers have moved into rural America. So have the concerns.
A recent survey by University of Illinois and Purdue University researchers indicates that rural Americans are more concerned than urban and suburban residents about data center expansion, particularly regarding rising electricity costs, use of agricultural land, and water overuse. This comes as data center construction increasingly shifts to rural areas, with projections showing significant energy requirement increases in several Midwestern states. Researchers highlight the disparity in resources between large tech companies and smaller rural communities when negotiating complex development agreements.
A new survey by researchers at the University of Illinois and Purdue University reveals that rural Americans harbor greater concerns than their urban and suburban counterparts regarding the impacts of data center development. Released on June 26, the survey of approximately 1,000 U.S. adults found that rural residents are most worried about rising electricity costs, followed by the conversion of agricultural land for data center use, and the potential for water overuse.
According to the researchers, many unknowns persist regarding the full effects of data center growth. Projections indicate that by 2030, energy demands from data centers are expected to more than double in Illinois and triple in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, citing data from the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. A separate April analysis by the Pew Research Center confirms a significant shift, with 67% of planned data centers slated for rural communities, despite nearly 90% of existing facilities being in urban areas.
With over 1,500 data centers in development nationwide, Virginia leads in both operating and planned facilities, while Illinois is identified as the top Midwest state for planned projects. Researchers pointed out that rural communities, often with limited budgets and staff, are at a disadvantage when evaluating complex development agreements with large companies that possess specialized legal, engineering, and financial resources, potentially hindering their capacity for informed decision-making and effective negotiations.