As artificial intelligence fuels a surge in data center construction, a new survey from researchers at the University of Illinois and Purdue University finds that rural Americans are more concerned than their urban and suburban neighbors about the industry’s rapid expansion.
According to the survey, the top concerns among rural residents include rising electricity costs, the loss of productive farmland, and increased water consumption as more AI-driven data centers are built across the country.
Researchers say those concerns are especially significant because many proposed data center projects are being targeted for rural communities. While these developments can bring investment, local governments often have fewer staff and financial resources to negotiate complex agreements with large technology companies.
Illinois currently has 139 operating data centers, with another 123 facilities planned, reflecting the increasing demand for computing power driven by artificial intelligence, cloud services, and digital infrastructure.
Supporters of the projects argue that data centers can generate tax revenue, improve infrastructure, and create economic opportunities. However, researchers say the survey highlights growing public interest in balancing those benefits with potential impacts on natural resources, energy demand, and agricultural land.
As Illinois continues to attract new technology investments, the findings suggest rural communities are seeking a greater voice in decisions that could reshape their local economies and landscapes.