Data centers boost jobs 4% in cities and rural economies barely feel a dent, study shows

Data centers are boosting local employment, wages, and business growth in urban areas, but rural economies see minimal impact. Over 1,200 public actions against data centers have been recorded since 2024, with Maine’s contested 2026 bill and veto highlighting the political tensions around expansion. Studies show economic gains accumulate gradually, with urban regions benefiting more than rural ones.