Nearly half of Americans oppose AI data centers being built near their homes, survey finds

Nearly Half of Americans Oppose New AI Data Centers in Their Neighborhoods

A survey of 4,000 U.S. residents conducted in late 2025 found that 47% oppose building new AI data centers near their homes. Only 38% support the projects.

This level of opposition exceeds public sentiment toward apartment complexes, multi-family housing, and mixed-use developments. The finding reflects growing pushback against data center construction across America.

Around half of all announced data center projects have been delayed or canceled. While supply chain issues-particularly Chinese power transformer shortages-account for some delays, community opposition is increasingly a factor. Local concerns center on water consumption, air quality, and rising electricity prices.

Age and Political Divides Shape Support

Support for data centers varies significantly by age. Millennials show the strongest backing, with 50% in favor. Gen Z follows at 48%. Support drops sharply for Gen X (38%) and Baby Boomers (22%).

Political affiliation also matters. Republicans support data center construction at 49%, compared to 36% of Democrats. Rural and Republican-leaning counties, which have fewer economic opportunities, may view data center projects as sources of construction jobs and local investment.

Property ownership status produced an unexpected result. Homeowners support data centers at 39%, slightly higher than renters at 36%.

Opposition Is Translating Into Real Obstacles

Community resistance is creating concrete barriers to development. City councils backing data center projects have been voted out. Other municipalities have imposed construction moratoriums. Instances of violence targeting AI companies and their employees are increasing.

Real estate professionals report frustrated homeowners questioning whether data center projects serve local interests. A realtor in Prince George's County, Maryland noted residents worry officials are sacrificing long-term community quality of life for developments that don't directly benefit residents.

The survey was commissioned by Redfin, a real estate services company, based on feedback from agents and homeowners concerned about data center expansion.

Questions About Who Benefits

The economic case for data centers remains unclear. AI executives report modest productivity gains. Operating costs continue climbing. Most companies developing AI technology are unprofitable, despite receiving hundreds of billions in compute orders from companies like Oracle.

The primary beneficiaries appear limited to chipmakers and hyperscalers providing compute infrastructure. Even those gains depend on AI companies like OpenAI generating sufficient revenue to pay their bills-a challenge many face.

This disconnect between project costs and local benefits fuels community resistance. As data center proposals face mounting opposition, construction timelines will likely extend further.

For real estate and construction professionals, understanding AI for Real Estate & Construction can help navigate how technology adoption affects property development strategies and community relations.