Nearly Half of Americans Oppose AI Data Centers in Their Neighborhoods, While 38% Support Them

Nearly half (47%) of U.S. residents oppose the construction of an artificial intelligence data center in their neighborhood, while 38% support it.

This is according to a Redfin-commissioned survey conducted by Ipsos in November 2025, fielded to 4,000 U.S. residents. Please see the end of this report for more on methodology. 

The U.S. has more than 3,000 AI data centers, with thousands more in development as demand for AI surges. They’re controversial largely because they strain electricity and water resources, which increases energy costs, sparks environmental concerns and disrupts nearby communities with noise and large, industrial structures.  They also tap into broader fears about AI: Roughly three in five U.S. residents believe AI will eliminate jobs, according to the same Redfin survey fielded by Ipsos. At the same time, AI data centers can create well-paying jobs in fields like IT and security, support local construction employment and spur investment in energy and water infrastructure–potentially boosting struggling areas.