A rapid expansion of data centers is transforming small-town America, sparking concerns over resource allocation and community impact.
Story Highlights
- Data centers are rapidly expanding across small-town America, driven by demand for AI and cloud computing.
- Newton County, Georgia, sees significant growth, becoming a central hub for data centers.
- Local residents express concerns over infrastructure strain and future community impact.
- Meta and Amazon lead developments, promising jobs and economic benefits, but also raising questions about sustainability.
Data Centers: A Booming Industry
In 2025, demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital storage skyrocketed, driving a surge in data center development across the United States.
According to a Goldman Sachs analysis, nearly 1% of U.S. counties now account for 72% of all data-center activity. This trend has particularly impacted small towns, where developers race to secure land, power, and water.
Georgia’s Newton County, about an hour east of Atlanta, hosts Meta’s Stanton Springs campus, a prominent example of this growth. The 1,000-acre site, opened in 2018, is expanding with a second campus under construction. Meta’s presence, while economically beneficial, has brought both opportunities and challenges to the region.
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Economic Impact and Local Concerns
Meta’s investment in Newton County has become a significant economic anchor, creating hundreds of jobs and generating tax revenue for schools and public services.
The company employs around 400 locals in various roles, contributing to the community’s economic vitality. However, this rapid development has not been universally welcomed.
Newton County Commissioner LeAnne Long expressed skepticism, describing some developers’ promises as “smoke-and-mirrors.” Concerns arise over what happens if the industry’s footprint shifts, leaving behind massive, unused structures. The county has become one of Georgia’s most aggressive data center development zones, with 11 additional centers planned or under construction.
Planning for the Future
Local officials, like Serra Hall of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority, emphasize the need for strategic planning and coordination. The influx of data centers offers benefits beyond jobs, such as $12 million in tax revenue from Meta since 2022.
Additionally, initiatives supporting small businesses and schools are underway. However, residents and leaders agree on the importance of slowing the pace to ensure long-term sustainability.
Energy consumption is another concern, with data centers projected to use 8% of U.S. power by 2030. Despite these challenges, the solution isn’t to reject the industry but to manage its growth responsibly. Meta aims to model responsible development, committing to renewable energy and water-positive goals by 2030.
