Most Americans Say "Not in My Backyard" to AI Data Centers

A Redfin survey found that 53% of U.S. residents oppose building AI data centers in their neighborhoods, citing concerns about strain on electricity and water resources, noise, and industrial disruption—more opposition than any other building type. However, some communities hosting data center hubs, like Loudoun County and Prince William County in Virginia, have benefited from increased tax revenue that has nearly doubled education spending over the past decade while reducing individual homeowners' property tax rates.