Or browse the full ranked list.
Very High Risk
Counties where all major factors align for data center development. Most have a known proposed, approved, or recently-withdrawn project.
High Risk
Counties with strong structural attractiveness. These are the next most likely targets for development based on power, water, land, and proximity to existing projects.
Moderate Risk
Counties where some factors favor development, others work against it. Risk depends heavily on specific parcels and timing.
Low Risk
Counties with structural factors that slow data center development — typically dense urban cores with limited land, or rural counties with limited transmission access.
Very Low Risk
Counties where structural factors make hyperscale data centers unlikely without major utility infrastructure investments. Risk is never zero, but these counties are not currently economic targets.
How the score works
Every input is public data or a clearly-labeled proxy. The formula is transparent. Read the full methodology →
The Risk Calculator shows your county's structural risk. The most aggressive available policy lever is the Ohio constitutional amendment — volunteers from Ohio Residents for Responsible Development need 413,488 signatures by July 1, 2026 to ban data centers above 25 megawatts statewide. For ongoing reporting on your county, sign up for the email brief below.