NYU Research Debunks the Rural Data Center Myth as Facilities Cluster Near Cities

By Mrigakshi Dixit · Interesting Engineering · 2026-08-03

According to Interesting Engineering, a new study from NYU Tandon reveals that nearly 98 percent of American data centers are located within urban or metropolitan boundaries. While these facilities were often pitched as economic lifelines for remote agricultural towns, developers

According to Interesting Engineering, a new study from NYU Tandon reveals that nearly 98 percent of American data centers are located within urban or metropolitan boundaries. While these facilities were often pitched as economic lifelines for remote agricultural towns, developers