We studied 1,584 data centers – and found the buildings full of machines are tied to modest local job growth
Academics studying real estate and urban economics analyzed data center employment from 2000–2023 and found that new data centers contribute relatively limited local economic benefit. While they create 1,000–1,300 jobs per county on average, most roles are in industries supporting data center operations rather than mainstream retail or hospitality. Jobs also take several years to materialize after a facility opens. This modest impact has fueled local opposition to new projects, contributing to $156 billion in cancelled or delayed data center proposals in 2025.
Key points
- Data centers create 1,000–1,300 jobs per county on average, but job growth appears modest
- Most jobs support data center operations, not local retail or restaurants
- Job creation takes several years to materialize after facility opens
- Skepticism about local benefits has led to $156 billion in cancelled/delayed projects
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