As the race to build AI data centers intensifies, nearly half of American residents do not want data centers built near their homes, a survey has found.
Support 38% vs. Opposition 47%... More Disliked Than Apartments
According to Tom's Hardware on Thursday (local time), a survey of 4,000 American residents conducted late last year by global research firm Ipsos found that 47% of respondents opposed new AI data centers near their residences. Only 38% supported them. Opposition to AI data centers was higher than to multi-family housing, new apartment complexes, or mixed-use developments.
Since the spread of generative AI, Big Tech and cloud companies have rushed to secure large-scale data centers, but local communities are increasingly asking, "Who benefits?" Underlying the discontent is concern that while data centers may create some jobs, they could degrade residents' quality of life in the long run.
Generational differences were pronounced. While 50% of millennials and 48% of Generation Z supported building AI data centers in their areas, only 38% of Generation X and 22% of baby boomers did. Younger respondents showed a clearly more favorable attitude toward AI infrastructure.
Differences also emerged along political lines. Among Republican supporters, 49% were in favor, compared with just 36% of Democratic supporters. This is seen as reflecting expectations of job creation in Republican-leaning regions, which tend to be more rural and less developed. By housing type, homeowners (39%) were slightly more supportive than renters (36%).
Opposition Shakes Up Elections
What is concerning is that opposition is translating into action. City councils that backed data center projects have been voted out in elections, and some local councils have issued temporary construction halts. There are also reports of rising extreme violence targeting AI companies and their employees.
The survey was commissioned by real estate brokerage Redfin. The company said it has continuously heard from homeowners voicing complaints about local data center construction. A real estate agent working in Prince George's County, Maryland, said residents are concerned that "county authorities are trading long-term community quality of life for projects that do not directly benefit residents."
Such antipathy is also linked to broader distrust of the AI industry. While AI investment has exploded, doubts are growing about who the actual beneficiaries are.
Corporate productivity gains remain limited, while AI operating costs continue to mount. Analysts say AI developers and the semiconductor industry are reaping the most direct benefits. The question of who truly gains from the AI boom is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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