Economic Growth
Data centers generate tax revenue, support jobs, attract related businesses and create long-term value for communities across Iowa.
The Technology Association of Iowa's 2026 economic impact study found that data centers contribute to Iowa's economy through jobs, labor income, tax revenue and spending across multiple industries.
$1.6b
in sales
tax revenue
in sales
tax revenue
9,100
jobs
jobs
$828m
in labor income
in labor income
$125m
in state, local
and county taxes
in state, local
and county taxes
“These data centers have greatly expanded our tax base, diversified our economy and created hundreds of high-paying, full-time, permanent jobs.”
– Russ Trimble, Mayor
West Des Moines, Iowa
– Russ Trimble, Mayor
West Des Moines, Iowa
Research from Georgia Tech found communities hosting new data centers saw long-term economic benefits, including 3.5% employment growth, 5% wage growth, increased business activity and higher household incomes, with the extent of those benefits varying by location.
Altoona, Iowa, is home to Meta’s largest data center. More than 400 full-time technicians, network engineers and facilities operators work there. Hundreds of skilled trades workers, including electricians, plumbers, steamfitters and laborers, are also on-site each week to support ongoing expansion projects.
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