Ohio Data Centers Generate $11.8B Economic Boost, 95,000 Jobs Amid Expansion

Ohio has become a major hub for data centers, attracting over $40 billion in investments since 2017 and supporting more than 95,000 jobs, with projections for 132,500 jobs and $20.2 billion in GDP contribution by 2030. These facilities have generated substantial economic benefits, including $5.2 billion in state and local tax revenue since 2017 and a net fiscal gain of $2.7 billion, with every dollar of tax incentives yielding $2.10 in tax revenue. However, the state's growing energy demands—expected to increase 800% by 2030—and competition from 37 other states offering similar incentives pose challenges to sustaining this growth. Policymakers emphasize the need for smart policy alignment, infrastructure investment, and environmental stewardship to maintain Ohio's competitive edge in the data center industry. Nationally, data center construction linked to artificial intelligence is projected to create up to 500,000 jobs over five years and significantly boost GDP and tax revenues, highlighting the sector's critical role in economic development. Meanwhile, in other regions like Maryland's Calvert County, data centers are recognized for their stringent security measures and potential economic benefits, though community engagement remains important to address local concerns.