Data Center Expansion Correlates with Higher US Home Values
Home values in high-density data center counties reached $431,750, significantly above the national median.
Median home values in counties with ten or more data centers reached $431,750. This figure stands well above the $174,500 median in counties without such facilities. The National Association of Realtors released its 2026 Data Center Impact Report today. The study analyzed data from more than 3,200 US counties.
NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun stated there is no single data center effect. He noted that outcomes vary significantly by local market. The report links data center concentration to higher home values and stronger employment growth. It also identifies a correlation with steeper utility costs.
Geographic concentration drives value divergence
Data centers remain highly concentrated in specific regions. Ninety-two percent of US counties have no mapped facilities. Just one percent of counties contain ten or more sites. Northern Virginia holds the densest cluster in the country.
Loudoun and Prince William counties account for roughly 19% of all mapped facilities. The top ten counties nationally hold approximately 42% of the total infrastructure. Loudoun County alone represents 14% of the nationwide total.
Economic indicators show strong growth
Employment in high-density counties grew 16% from 2014 to 2024. This compares to a 2% increase in counties without data centers. Median household income in these markets is approximately $89,000. In counties without facilities, median income is $64,000.
Home values in high-concentration markets rose 95% over the past decade. Values elsewhere increased by 64% during the same period. NAR notes these areas were already high-income technology hubs before the recent surge. The report emphasizes that correlation does not establish causation.
Utility costs rise for residents
Residential electricity rates rose 21.4% from 2020 to 2024 in high-density counties. Rates in counties without data centers increased by 15.7% over the same period. Sixty-one percent of surveyed Realtors cited energy costs as a primary client concern. Water use was cited by 56% of respondents.
Thirty-eight percent of surveyed Realtors reported a data center in their market. Twenty-five percent saw a positive effect on nearby home values. Twenty-two percent reported a negative effect. Fifty percent noted increased commercial property values in their area.
